Well, the honeymoon is over. That was short lived. I got drunk on Saturday and am currently 3 drinks in tonight. I've followed the procedure and taken it at least one hour before drinking. Hope all is going according to plan. In better news, I've lost 5 pounds.


Chris

Yep, par for the course, Chris.

From here, concentrate on logging your drinks, work on being conscious of at least that first drink so it doesn't fly out of the glass as usual, then work on expanding that to the next and the next. The conscious part of your brain will end up getting more time on the stage anyway, this is just a way of inviting it in earlier in the proceedings.

Chris: Good for you that you are having such immediate success!! YOU KNOW IT WORKS FOR YOU!! It takes many of us a very long time to get to that point, so you are lucky.

Now all you have to do is to follow the Golden Rule.

Looking forward to reading how you are doing.

Newlife

your experience is pretty normal, so don't sweat it. keep following the GR and you'll see results continue to happen. last night it was a SUPREME EFFORT for me to down two beers over the course of an entire evening. you'll get there! good luck.

Hey folks,


Still going strong over here. I've followed the golden rule religiously since the last hiccup. Can anyone relate to this experience: You're at work, about to get off, and craving a drink so bad... You have the naltraxone in your pocket and know that you need to take it, but there's a little voice saying, 'don't!!!' you won't enjoy the booze as much!!!' You go back and forth for a little bit, but finally put the pill in your mouth and down it goes. Then, a rush of relief because you did what you were supposed to do.

I've had that happen a few times.

As far as an update on me, my drinking has gone back down. Seriously, I'm averaging 0-2 drinks a night, compared to a bottle of 100 proof bourbon every 2 days before. So perhaps I'm still in this honeymoon phase? I've noticed that it really helps to work with the Nal... drink a little slower, enjoy the conversation more rather than trying to get that rush. Nal makes me feel powerful-- like I am once again in control of my own life. I'm so thankful for it.

How are all of you?

chris

I've read about others going through something similar, Chris. The brain is reaching out for it's "favorite toy", just keep on with the Golden Rule and it will get fainter and fainter. As you can see, your compliance is serving you well, those are really outstanding numbers! Don't be surprised if they bounce around a bit, that's to be expected. Great job on slowing down and getting your whole brain engaged in how you feel about how you're drinking! Keep flexing that muscle, for sure!

"Nal makes me feel powerful-- like I am once again in control of my own life. I'm so thankful for it."

It's different when you know you're going to win. I feel like I can actually make plans now, plans that go well beyond "How am I going to deal with this hangover and make it to 5pm?".

I was going to go for an AF tonight, but I made enchiladas and the neon "beer sign" was flashing at me, so down the hatch went the Nal. I'll cap it at 2.6 drinks for the night, seems to be my new baseline for now. I'm not complaining, it's tons better than 12 and having to hold down the sofa the next day!

Nal On, Chris!

Chris,

One of the things that has not been mentioned to you yet - but you may have read elsewhere, is that this takes time to be truly effective. The book and literature often talks about 3-5 months, but the normal seems to be longer (9-12 months) judging from this forum. I do not say that to be discouraging, just to say that it is okay if you decide to drink when you want as long as you take the pill prior. After all, it took a long time of drinking for you to get to this spot. So for TSM to work you need to take the pill and drink in order for it to work.

The way it has worked for me is that I started out still drinking very heavily but taking the pill. But slowly, over time, I just did not want that drink when I came home from work or even when I went out to dinner. There was never a time where the light bulb went on and I knew it was working. I just kept taking the pill and drinking. And of course I got help here by asking advise and posting what was going on with me. Now instead of 120 units a week and 0 AF days I am at less than 20 and 3-5 AF days. With very little effort but the passing of time.

In the end it is very easy - take a pill at least an hour before you drink!

Best of luck

Hi Chris,
Yes I felt that same powerful feeling, I have no idea if you are still in the honeymoon phase, but don't worry or fret if you are and you have a hiccup or spike in your drinking, just keep being mindful. It took me a while to get over myself chasing the buzz and on occasion I definitely drank more than I wanted hoping to achieve that, my brain was all over the place Chris, it was totally confused, but this site, counselling with Joanna over at C3, belief in the Nal and belief in myself all contributed to my success so far. I'm almost 6 months in and the last month has been amazing, only drinking very moderately ie well within safe limits and lots of AF days and life feels soooooooo much better. Posting and getting support on here plus reading other people's stories and posts really helped me keep motivated and focuses. Keep updating, you will get there. On a note not mentioned, there is a stat saying that it is effective for 78 percent, my belief about this is that the majority of the other 22 pc probably don't have the right mindset, don't comply to the GR or just stop taking it......... Just my thoughts. Good luck.

Hey everyone,

Wanted to write.. I'm still going strong. Tonight, I sort of did myself in. But I will say, this week has been mostly alcohol free. The overall biggest change I've noticed is that I don't drink alone anymore. I mean, come on, that's like the greatest thing ever. I've also lost 11 pounds (I work out 5 times a week) and my face doesn't look puffy anymore. So there are many beautiful benefits.

I will say-- and I know I've already mentioned this-- that one can drink past the pill. Like I said last time, there are benefits to the conscience effort to reduce the drink while under Nal.


Chris

Congratulations on your excellent results and your attitude, Chris! It sounds like it's serving you well and I'd say those benefits are going to expand to other areas in your life too. Keep it up, the Beast is no match for you!