Hello, I'm in my 7th week of TSM, have been visiting this site off and on, and figured it was time to post something. I started reading the book and was lucky to find a doctor who prescribed Naltrexone right away. He's a bit skeptical but curious to see how things go. He talks about a possible placebo effect happening in addition to whatever the method might be doing for me.

So, I did notice a difference in craving and how the alcohol made me feel pretty early on, and had a good first two weeks in reducing my average number of drinks. Then the holidays hit and I was working around my normal pre-Nal levels - however I still felt different, and didn't get "stupid" drunk at any one time. I also found myself making choices not to drink in situations where I usually would have. I'm making the choice not to drink in situations where I used to when by myself, but the hard part for me right now is that my husband drinks quite a bit too and when he's involved, I tend towards our regular habits. Though he admits he's a heavy drinker he has no worry or desire to change. And he's never been out of control with it like I would get.

The other thing is that I've had no AF days yet. After the holidays I was really ready to reduce the drinking again but scared to stop altogether. One night I really didn't feel like drinking but had two drinks anyway because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to sleep due to the physiological effects (detox). I know that after the way I have been drinking for so long I no longer know how to sleep without alcohol. My doctor wants me to try to work toward this but I haven't tried yet.

Anyway, that's my short introduction. I visit the website whenever I'm feeling doubtful about TSM and it helps keep me on track. Any advice is welcome.

Hi illuminae, glad you finally posted so we can get to know you. My HB and I are both on Nal and we haven't had an AF day yet, but there are changes happening with both of us. I keep telling myself we didn't get where we're at in a couple of months so the change won't occur that quickly either (a lot of extinction has to happen). Hang in there and as time goes on maybe your HB will jump on board with you.

Good luck, keep posting as we all go on this journey to freedom
corkit

Welcome. Your situation sounds a bit like mine: you had the "honeymoon effect", your drinking went back up to pre-TSM levels but you have a lot more control now when you drink. This is strong evidence TSM will work for you. The method works but requires patience. As for sleep, maybe talk to your doctor about a sleeping aid/pill? Anything is probably more healthy than daily booze.

Good luck.

Nick

Hi Illuminea-
Hope all goes well in your progress w/ TSM - sounds like it will work for you. Do what you know is right for you, regardless of what your spouse is doing (easy for me to say, right?!). He probably won't notice your lessened consumption unless you make a big deal about it. Sleep w/o alcohol is a bit of a prob...but sleepytime tea helps for me. Good luck & stay positive!

Keep us posted -

XO

thanks everyone! Glad to hear similar situations and I'll try to use some of your suggestions.

Pre Nal 50-60 Units/wk
Began TSM 30 Nov 09

Wk/Units/AF
1: 47: 0
2: 37: 0
3: 50: 0
4: 48: 0
5: 59: 0
6: 39: 0

Per what Nick said,...just be careful and listen to your GP. So you know, I'VE BEEN USING VISTARIL WITH SOME success as well as Marijuana...I get scared with too much pot but it helps temper the amount I'm assuming similar to Vistaril or Baclofen.

Best to you, Jim Clark

PS I will be posting in a few days sorry for being a stranger