I just started TSM on 3/1/2015. I have had many AF days, but when I do drink the NTX makes it unexciting, and therefore I want to drink maybe 4-6u; but my old fear of withdrawal recurs; and so I'll sip on beers all day and night just to be sure not to get withdrawal. This is what is causing the spike in drinks. Is anyone else experiencing this and do you have any recommendations for stopping it? NTX works great especially with the campral I take. Too bad it took four years to get a RX for them.

Thank you kindly,

Since 03/01/2015
w1 45u 3AF
w2 45u 3AF
w3 24u 5AF
w4 7u 6AF
w5 80u 0AF
w6 0u 7AF
w7 80u 0AF

Do you mean that once you have a heavy night then you drink the next night because you are scared of withdrawal?

From your tracking it looks like you have had some good AF time including a whole week followed by a heavy week. Withdrawals usually occur with sustained heavy drinking over a long period, but you have breaks.

If you have gotten through that without withdrawals then you should be ok (please be aware I am not a Dr and this does not replace medical advice).

Whilst I know withdrawals are very real I think that your mind is playing tricks.

The whole point of TSM is that it doesn't involve withdrawal because it slows you down, and you don't have to go cold turkey.

Do you have withdrawals when you have your AF time?

Thank you for your reply.

I have withdrawal if and only if I drink very quickly, e.g., 8 units in a couple hours. TSM prevents this; so, as you said, I think I am simply convincing myself that I'll have withdrawals after say 3 units; and therefore, I keep drinking up to past 10 units. Actually, I think this is anecdotal evidence in favor of TSM, since I have not had a withdrawal period since starting TSM. I simply drink too slowly; however, a person can drink 24 beers in 24 hours (1 per hour) if they really want to .

I guess the message is: drink slowly (you will with TSM) and do not drink just because you imagine you'll have withdrawals. If you do have serious withdrawal, then get to the doctor.

Yes I think you are over thinking this, which is not unusual for someone new to TSM and not unusual in many life activities!

Take the pill, wait one hour, drink how you feel and don't force it. Perhaps that really want to can be turned back on itself so that it's breaking the habit you want.