I have tried TSM several times since 2010, but never gave it time to work. When I was drinking w/o NAL, I would go weeks without an alcohol free day. Now, when I do drink I always take a few days off. I'm just not enjoying it as much. Since the buzz isn't there I just feel tired. I personally believe that this is the extinction process working. Anybody care to comment?

Hi retread

I'm into my fourth week, I've dropped from my pre TSM drinking levels but now in week 4 my drinking has kind of levelled out at 6/7 drinks per night. I've had 1 af day so far and a few where I drink 1 or 2 and that's enough. I can't say that af days are easy or natural right now.

I guess everyone's different.

Hi retread,

I'm not clear from your post if you are currently taking Nal? If so, then the lack of the normal buzz rush and the tiredness (the actual affect of alcohol on the body) is definitely part of the extinction process from my experience so far. Further, you are not getting the "reward" your brain is after from old faithful alcohol. Over a variable amount of time and with reinforcement the science suggests you will slowly become indifferent to alcohol and will be able to take it or leave it. This does not necessarily mean you will go skipping off in to the sunset tomorrow, and you might even experience bouts of drinking at a similar or higher level than pre-Nal. From mine and many other's experience this is also part of the process and further evidence that the brain is actually coming to realize the futility of consuming alcohol for effect.

Cheers!

Trip lab is right on the money there.

The longer you follow the protocol, the more likely alcohol free days will occur.

While your old normal was drinking days, your new normal will likely become alcohol free days, because that's what indifference does.

It's just not immediately apparent when starting this protocol.

Hey Trip and Guapo, yes I'm religiously taking 50mg of NAL before I drink. Yesterday I experimented and unfortunately it did not end well. I was in airports all day flying home, and I took a NAL at lunch convinced I could have 3 or 4 beers and leave it at that. I had about 12 over several hours. I was being picked up, so driving was not an issue. Am I not trying hard enough? Or since I'm only 5 weeks into TSM is this normal?

It's not a concern in my book. You followed the Golden rule which is perfect. Have patients and don't worry about anything but following the Golden rule. Hope you enjoyed the drinks.