I am a little over 6 months into TSM. I have been completely compliant the whole time and am presently consuming between 14 and 20 drinks per week. I have definitely noticed that alcohol is not as satisfying as it once was which is good because it shows me that TSM is working. I am, however, a little lost in that I have not yet found an alternative activity that is satisfying the way I remember alcohol was. I am operating under the assumption that this will sort of naturally work itself out over time.

Does anyone have any insight into this issue? Is there a way to expedite the process of finding a satisfying alternative to alcohol? I do have hobbies and I am active in Toastmasters. I guess I am looking for that "go to" replacement. I worry that until I find that one thing there will always be a part of me that looks to alcohol to fill the void. Maybe I just have to learn to accept living in this space.

I am rambling but I would appreciate any advice or insight.

Well, there's the rub, because after extinction "...the way I remember alcohol..." ain't gonna be there. There will also be a period of healing and increasing brain function month by month and that may lead you to replacement activities to take up the slack. That is, I doubt you would be sitting in a chair with an empty wineglass, just staring at the wall. You would likely come up with something, maybe even something that you've putting off heretofore? While the CNS depressant effects of alcohol are still roaming about your brainpan, it may indeed be difficult for you to come up with something that satisfies, as one is... well, depressed.

But yeah, thanks for bringing that up as it's really an important subject.

Let me ask you this: Why did you start drinking? Were you self-medicating or was did you get snagged in a genetic net?

I started drinking for a little of both reasons I imagine. I was never one of the cool kids growing up. But when I discovered alcohol I found that my social life really expanded and became fun. There are also a bunch of alcoholics in my family as well.

All that said, I never experienced the endorphin rush people talk about when drinking. Nor do I experience an endorphin rush exercising after 2 or 3 alcohol free days. I take this to mean the genetic aspect is not the dominant motivator for me but I could be wrong about that.

Sounds kind of like me, though not so many drinkers in the family.

How's the job going?

"Nor do I experience an endorphin rush exercising after 2 or 3 alcohol free days" that's 100% normal.

There's a lot of myths about exercise and endorphins both on this site and in the general public.

Going for a typical run won't generate endorphins, only high intensity activity does.

http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/e ... iness2.htm

Thanks NZ.

Six Pack - the job is going fine. Things are generally going well in my life. Thanks for asking.