Good morning everyone! I have been been studiously investigating TSM since early February. This site and the other one have been really valuable to me. I have gleaned much understanding through the many stories I have read. So I have decided to join and share as well. I also look forward to the supportive feedback and encouragement that is so present here. I am extremely blessed to have a TSM psych doc on board that I found through this site! Also, a counselor who is familiar with TSM. I was so worried about negative side effects when I began but other than a bit of fatigue the first couple of days have really had absolutely nothing and was able to be at full dose in five days.
Had the typical honeymoon period and am now in the monotony of the long journey! I fully accept the idea of this being a process which will likely take a year or so.
I've had my successes, such as several AF days in a week, not drinking at all on a Friday night, having a friend mention I'm still on my first glass...and the such. And the failures, blacking out a few times, feeling awful and shameful the next morning, etc... I am hopeful though! I believe in this "tool", but I realize the decisions, the choices, are mine.
Looking forward to sharing this journey with you all!

Wow, thanks for that post, Annie! That's great that you have such wonderful TSM support, are your docs in the Find a Physician list?

Sounds like you binge, so you can probably look forward to the blackouts going away in the not too distant future. That seems to be one benefit that shows up fairly early in the process. Are you keeping a drinks diary?

I don't know if you're on private pay for this or if your insurance is covering you, but if the former, there's a website called GoodRx.com that can help you get a discount on the Nal at your local pharmacy. It's about $40 for 30 tabs in my area with the GoodRx coupon.

Thanks again and welcome to the forums! Looking forward to hearing more from you!

Yes, my doc is among the listed...that is how I found him!
Actually, my drinking had become a daily event with increasing excess over the weekends.
I am keeping a drink diary which includes comments on cravings, triggers and events associated with decision to drink or not.
And thank you JSP for the info regarding purchase of naltrexone. I am currently choosing to pay out of pocket. It was actually suggested by my doc.
Having a good week.... Looks like I might hit 4 AF days in a row. A first in years! Of course the weekend is the real challenge.....

"Looks like I might hit 4 AF days in a row. A first in years!"

Awesome!!! Congratulations!

"Of course the weekend is the real challenge....."

Have a look at Joanna's post and try the mindfulness exercise:

http://optionssavelives.freeforums.net/ ... hints-tips

The trick here is to get in the habit of challenging "the machine" so you don't drink in an automatic fashion.

Another approach I use is to take a sip of the first drink (beer, in my case) then put it back in the fridge and physically break the connection that way. Then I'll get up to one or the other task, go check email, attack a pile of paper, walk outside and do something in the yard, anything but sit down with the beer in my hand or close to me. It breaks up the habit and gives conscious thought/choice a chance to get a word in edgewise, rather than like the old unconscious glug, glug, glug, cerveza vacuum cleaner technique that I used for 30 years.

Great job on the AF days and let us know how it goes over the weekend!

welcome Annie! TSM is a real lifesaver for many of us and it sounds like you're already experiencing some real results. being "still on your first glass" is a great feeling, isn't it? good luck to you!

Thanks Zontar!...yes, very grateful for TSM. Weekend was not completely what I would like for it to be but I am realistic about how much of this is habit and that this will take time, mindfulness and a dose of plain old discipline. Today could be third AF day this week...all depends on whether we go for drinks after tennis.... Thing is I really would rather not because I LOVE the way I'm feeling right now with no Nal on board! But I don't want to let friends down. I have come to really enjoy my herbal tea in the evening but that is not exactly what the others have in mind!

Annie - you have the perfect attitude going into this. It will take time and it is a roller coaster for a lot of us. Just recognize the all of those little improvements in your life as the NAL and TSM really start working. Unfortunately it can be frustrating not to have control all the time at first - but over time you will regain that control you are looking for.

Ha! I play tennis too, and I remember having PITCHERS of beer afterwards. I'm hooked on tea myself now, and if you're a habitual drinker of everything (water, tea, etc) herbal tea might really help you out. good for ya too!