Last Saturday night I took my Nal and went to band practice. One of our guitar players showed up drunk, so we decided to have a band meeting to discuss "commitment to the band". More drinks were consumed. Anyway, we got into a big fight, and afterward went to the local bar to resolve any differences that hadn't been worked out during practice.

I had a shot at the bar and then started drinking coffee. Not to stay sober or to prove a point to the band, but because I felt as drunk as I needed to be, and I wanted to hang out and enjoy time with my friends. I had a great time as we wrangled and fought and worked out our problems. When the end of the night came. I was still having coffee, and was able to "hold my own" in the discussion, rather than yelling and cussing and skulking off.

After the bar, I was so stoked at my restraint that I decided to celebrate by having a couple of beers and some wine. I woke up bummed because I had blown it again, but then I remembered how my behavior was so different from what it would have been in the past. Last year I would have screamed and yelled, pissed in the alley, and woke up with nothing on but my shoes. Now I can say I'm sorry and remember what I'm apologising for.

It's just a little thing, but it tells me that I'm definitely on the right path with TSM.

That is fantastic, FB! I cannot yet imagine going into a bar with a bunch of friends and drinking coffee or soft drinks. You're definitely on the right path!

Wow - congratulations! I think that's HUGE progress. Those times where we see our lives changing for the better matter most. The number of drinks you consume (whenever) isn't nearly as important as seeing we're better equipped to deal with stressful situations without the typical "drinking until oblivion" behavior. Feels good to wake up with self respect and a sense of accomplisment, doesn't it? Good for you, and thanks for sharing. Those victories inspire us all to keep the faith!

Firebird...those little things are actually big things for us (they are only little if you are a normal drinker). It's definitely working for you...in a few more weeks you'll likely want the wine / beer afterwards, but find when you go to drink it, you end up either not having it or consuming a lot less - can you imagine that?

Thanks for posting - great news.

I think it's huge. And that is the kind of thing that keeps happening! That is the awesome part.