Hi All, I have been doing TSM for about 4 1/2 months. The past week I have seen my intake increase more than before I started. I know all of you have told me that this is normal but I am so scared that I won't be "cured" with TSM and Nal. Am I different than others? I don't know. I just know that my alcohol increase has gone up the last couple of weeks and I am scared that I am not being realistic about Nal and TSM working for me. I know it has worked for so many out there but I'm wondering if it will work for me. I had 2 AF days this week but the days I was drinking was WAY OVER the top. More than before. What is happening? Please give me the encouragement I need to continue this path. Thank you in advance.
I am leaving to go on vacation tomorrow and I will be around a lot of people partying all week and I am so frightened that I will not be able to "control" my drinking. I wanted to show my brother (recovering alcoholic) that I got it "figured out"! What am I doing wrong? My husband is so patience but he really is starting to wonder if this is the right path for me. I have said this before but I really need some reassurance. Thank you!!!

I see no one has yet responded to you. No one wants to say you are part of the 20% that TSM doesn't work for, because no one knows this for sure. You are still early in your program and the variability of therapeutic response to Nal is established on these message boards. Have you noticed any impact whatsoever? easier AF days, delay of next drink, ability to stop, anything no matter how subtle? You need to give it at least six to nine months, in my casual opinion. I wish I could direct you to the threads that demonstrate a possible course that some successful TSMer has had that is similar to yours. I know they are there, I read them so long ago now. (perhaps Firebird, Bob3d, Crown?)
Keep the faith a little longer, you may see some results. I, for one, hope that you do. Good Luck.

Hi Dancer, I sympathise with how you are feeling!! 4 1/2 months isn't really that long, I suspect that you may be spiking right now and that things should reach a peek very soon, if it hasn't happened already, and then your drinking will take a downward turn again. I don't know how old you are or how long and how much you have been drinking but if you are someone in your 40s or 50s who has been abusing alcohol for 20 to 30 years, I think you need 9 to 12 months before you completely regain control but before that happens things will slowly improve after the spike. Is there a doctor you can talk to? Maybe get some bloods checked to reassure you?

Take care.

Curi

Hi dancer

Patience. Spikes are going to happen, it's part of the process.

Half of the people that put themselves on the "cured" list" have done so after following TSM for 6 months to a full year.

Hang in there

Hey Dancer,
Your chart seems to suggest that you had an immediate reduction in units after starting nal - the honeymoon. As far as I know, everyone who has the honeymoon is receptive to nal, which means that TSM will work for them given enough time. The spikes feel terrible, I know. But hang in there! And there's no harm in doing more AF days if you really can't deal with the terrible hangovers.
EL

Hi Dancer,

I can understand why you are concerned. Figuring out how to fix our alcohol problem is terrifying – there is so much at stake that is dependent on Naltrexone being a success; your self-esteem; your marriage; your self-worth. But you are in the right place – we are all absolutely terrified of it not working.

But it’s absolutely OK to feel this way.

Let’s look at some of your (positive) posts:

“I am drinking less, which is good

I feel better just knowing that I'm at least doing "something" about my drinking. This site is a lifesaver for me. I just needed to hear that I need to be patient.”

Let’s build upon the excellent point made by Digatec and look at some facts:

Can you answer yes to any of the following questions?

I have left unfinished drinks

My drinking is less than pre-TSM

Blackouts happen less frequently or not at all

Stupid / embarrassing behaviour is less of a problem

I have more energy when not drinking for friends / family

When I drink, I argue less with my husband

It may seem like a lifetime, but what's another few weeks if you can fix your alcohol habit for the rest of your life?

Stick in there - we all want you to succeed x

Andy.

Dancer,

Like you, I'm afraid it might not work. I have tried not to get anyone's hopes up. But after reading what Andy wrote, I can answer "yes" to a lot of those questions! Progress, not perfection.

Tracy

I love it - "Progress not Perfection"

Nobody on this board is perfect - but we're getting there

Hi Dancer,

I feel like I am right with you on the doubts. I am 20 weeks in, and wish it was all over. The past couple of weeks, I have taken my NAL, but still drank to excess like old times. But much has changed. Hang in there.....we can help each other.

TSM works....I am sure of it.

JDog-Thanks for the support. I intend to keep taking my Nal in hopes that someday I will notice a significant difference. I just got back from a week of vacation and I think I did better than I have on previous vacations so I believe that is a good sign. Still not 100% great but better.

Good luck with your journey!