First of all, you guys are an incredible resource for lurkers such as myself, and really probably anyone getting started on this (underground?!!) treatment. Stay awesome!

So I'm on week 1 or 2 of this and have a couple questions. Background is that I discovered this by reading this forum a lot and watching the movie "One Little Pill" (and I'm currently reading Eskapa's book). Mid twenties weekend binge drinker who usually goes 5-10 days AF then opens the flood gates on weekends/weeks of vacation. Initially, I took 50mg and had god awful nausea/fatigue. I lowered the dose until I felt no sides, then ramped up to 50 and am now fine on that.

That being said, I fear this isn't working for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I had a large graduation a week after starting TSM (i.e. last week), and stupidly convinced myself not to take it for the 2-3 day bender, as I really didn't want to be groggy for such an important weekend.

1) How much did I set back progress by doing this? (I'm now back to the golden rule, and don't think this will ever be a problem again, as SEs are 100% gone now).

2) How well is TSM working for me? I noticed a large decrease in craving initially, but couldn't tell if this was due to extreme nausea, or the honeymoon. Within 5-6 uses (SE free), drinking feels nearly identical to before, and I do it just as intensely and often. I guess I'm not sure if I actually hit the honeymoon period or not, but alcohol felt different during those days of extreme nausea I think..

Sorry for the wall of text, and thanks for any help!

As far as I'm concerned missed doses like that without achieving extinction bring you right back to square one. You've let the endorphins release thus any retraining through unrewarded drinking is reset.

As for your progress you're so early into this. Far too early to be concerned. It takes anywhere from 4mo. to as much as a year for some. Stay the course and don't skip anymore doses or ever drink without waiting an hour. This is for life.

Lastly, if you haven't already join the optionssavelives forum. There they focus on mindful drinking a subject not addressed in the current edition of the book yet so crucial. It's regularly discussed so poke around a bit and you'll find much talk of it. NAL on!

Hi there Hoover and welcome - as Bardo said, it is so early that it is highly unlikely that you have done any harm or damage! However, please always take the Nal at least an hour before drinking - thoughts differ but I feel as Bardo does and that it puts you back to the beginning when you drink without taking the Nal. Good plan on when you felt the nausea to ramp back on the dosage but that is great that you are up to 50mg again so quickly. It took me 11 months so I do think the books expectations of 3-4 months are highly optimistic - but it has happened for some. Just never give up - I think that you have to go into this thinking it is going to take a year or two then if it works sooner that is a plus! I ended up AF - not through choice - but I truly do not want to drink at all - I had originally thoughts of just being a 'normal' social drinker!

You really are such early days yet - do not worry about if it is or is not working for you - just take the Nal and drink as usual - at least for a little while Post as much as you can and start recording your intake - it is really helpful later!

Hugs, Maggie