Hi Virgil!

Whenever I get frustrated (about anything) and feel like throwing in the towel, I always think of you and remember I refuse to be a quitter! You rock!

Hi Kris,

Many thanks for the feedback. It is good to know that my perseverance is contagious!

All the very best to you.

V.

Hi Folks,

Well, here we go again. Another week has passed on my TSM journey and I'm back up to where I was just a few weeks ago. Yes, I've crossed the 100 unit line again having chalked up 105 UK units over the last seven days. For me, this is proving to be a frustratingly slow process. Yes, I probably know why I'm in for the long haul and that helps a bit. The main reason why my alcohol consumption was up during week 19 was because I went away for the weekend and was socializing (something I do very little of). Unfortunately, on the Sunday, I had a massive panic attack and I turned to alcohol as a form of self-medication; I didn't drink a lot but it was sufficient to push me over my 100-units psychological limit.

I am more and more noticing that the naltrexone exacerbates the effect of alcohol in that I rapidly feel tired after taking the combination. In other words, the combination acts like a sedative and I'm not very comfortable with that. After all, I don't want to be falling asleep at 6:00pm every evening otherwise I won't be able to sleep when I go to bed at 11:00pm. I do hope this will pass but, who knows?

So, I plod on.

V.

Virgil, I feel exactly the same way. I drink to alieviate the anxiety for sure. It is hard for me to distinguish between the triggers, anxiety and/or craving. Is anxiety craving? Honestly don't list cavings because I am not really sure. My units went up this week due to anxiety, was planning an AF day and bang, situation caused anxiety, alcohol to the rescue. Nuts!!!!

Hi LaBear,

Thanks for the feedback and it's comforting to know that there are others in this community who are in the same boat. You ask the question "Is anxiety craving?". For me, they are separate, but related in that anxiety can give rise to craving. I gave up trying to record my cravings a long time ago. Although I agree that alcohol consumption (units) is not the whole picture, for me it is the best indicator of how I'm 'progressing'.

I should point out that I don't always turn to alcohol when anxiety is a problem. I find that focussing on my breathing can often do the trick. However, there are times (like last Sunday) when my anxiety can go from 0 to 60 faster than a Formula 1 Ferrari with the result that I am simply unable to function. And that's when I find that a drink can be helpful - assuming that I've taken my naltrexone beforehand. Of course, if I haven't taken the naltrexone, I'm stuffed and this escape plan is not an option.

All the very best to you.

V.

I think this is a great point Virgil. Anxiety is definitely a reason I use alcohol. Yet I find that if I am in a situation where there is no drinking and I am anxious, I almost go to a delayed reaction and drink later when I can, after the situation has passed that was anxious. For example; after a funeral where I had to speak. Or after a situation in a hospital, etc. I wonder what that is about? Any thoughts. All the best to you.

I really admire you folks tackling two issues at once. Alcoholism is tough enough; throw another issue on top of it and it sounds overwhelming. I admire your strength and am completely rooting for you.

My mild anxiety in high school marked the beginning of my illustrious drinking career. I was petrified of girls but quickly discovered that with a little liquid courage my weakness became a strength. The unfortunate lesson for me was that a lot of situations became easier for me after a few drinks... Later in my career as an attorney the thought crossed my mind that I might be a more effective oral advocate if I had a few cocktails before heading to court. Then a light bulb went off: "You are in trouble." Thankfully, I NEVER crossed that line and I have never once taken a drink during work. Although the thought of it has crossed my mind several times. I'm convinced that without TSM I was probably headed down that very unfortunate path.

Interesting stuff, Nick - no, me either, have never taken a drink in the morning or at lunch during a work day. Just never thought about it. Made up for it later, for sure! Although, the dorky thing is, I have such a craving for a Bloody Mary now, so many mornings on here w/ people pouring 'em!! LOL

When we were traveling, had a couple of BMs at airports and they were sooooooo yummy - love 'em...!! Hmmmmm......what were we talking about previously??
LOL

Thanks, Nick. Yes, it certainly is overwhelming at times. And there may be a third issue in the melting pot; I'm referring to those members (including myself) that are in the process of withdrawing from a benzo medication. Argh!

V.

Nick, I have many friends who are attorneys and also many who have 3 martini lunches before returning to court. I think it may be a common practice! Good for you that you didn't.