Thanks for all the suggestions about my routine. This week I actually did some cooking in the morning in preparation for the nights because I wanted to reduce my drinking. It has worked pretty well. Not a permanent solution but just a change to the routine as you suggest. je3625, yes, pizza is a good idea for a break. And yes, Jaba, I agree that MY goal, for now anyway, is not to stop cooking and being able to enjoy some AL when I do, but just cutting way back on the AL. I don't want to give up AL, unless I really have to do that to get better. I am also open to the possibility that at some point, like others before me, I might change my mind about that.

I guess I am lucky but I don't find that the nal makes me feel blah or down. I don't feel endorphins blocked when I am taking it, or a rush when I don't. I also had ZERO side effects from it. I am a little worried that this may mean it doesn't work for me. Well, even if it doesn't I must be experiencing a placebo effect because I do know that things are different for me. Last night I met my girlfriend whom I hadn't seen in awhile. She is going through a lot so the conversation was stressful and I was feeling a lot of emotion. Even so, it was easy to just have one reasonably sized glass of wine and when the waitress came to ask if I wanted more to just say "NO"; not forcing it, "NO" was the truth. That NEVER happened before I started TSM. I would throw back the first glass, gulp down another, then if I wasn't driving have a third, and if I was driving feel sorry for myself because I COULDN"T have a third. That doesn't happen anymore.

Nal on, all!! Newlife

Newlife, this certainly sounds like something wonderful is happening for you. Whether or not it is the nal, it is great. Great idea to cook in the morning. I am hopeful that I am just in a little funk with food because it is hot and it is not the nal taking all enjoyment from me.

After five days or so on the Nal, I feel grumpy - and this time it seems to be taking a while to get rid of. This is fairly new to me - it is only the past few weeks that I have noticed this. I last took the Nal Monday lunchtime - and am still feeling blah. It took a while for the Nal to have this effect on me though - I am assuming it is the Nal anyway! I am going to try to have a few more days AF to get the Nal completely out of my system and also AL out of it too. TRY anyway!! LOL

Hugs to all, Maggie x

WOW Newlife - go you when you were out with your friend and saying no to the 2nd glass of wine - great going !!!

Newlife, that to me is the definition of "normal". That to me is THERE. The rest is just cleaning up messy lingering habits. Nal does nothing for that. I had no side effects at all after the first couple days. It womped the compulsion part for me right away.
I find that when I am on Nal (low dose, one hour after) I def don't enjoy food as much as when off Nal.

Steve.

You have just given me a reason to string more al free days together because I have been crankier than usual. It will be hard to tell if it is the nal or the al because when there is al, there is nal.

Thanks, Steven, Maggie, Deena, yes it did feel good!! Going out again tonight, to "Carmel Wine Cafe".......then tomorrow AF with Steve and anyone else who wants to join us. XOXO Newlife

Newlife,

I am really happy for you, for that is truly progress! I still stop at one because I have to, not because I want to, and I will cherish the day when I drink because I have a choice! I will be joining you guys, for I really would like to have something happen. Even if it is just disappointment the next time I drink.

Okay - so we are having an AF day Friday now too? I will be there with you all - and am probably going to have a drink today - I am off and have all sorts planned that I have to do - it is going to be a good day and I want to have a drink along with it ! But am in for tomorrow !!

Hugs, Maggie x

Maggie,

I am doing an af day on Friday and most likely Saturday. This is just me I think but the more the merrier.

I do not get anything out of doing af days, but the lack of al. I woke up this morning with a slight headache and a buzz in my ears...(new one). I did take my allergy medicine, but I guess I need to start taking my allergy spray. I hate doing that because I get so dry! I just cannot believe that the nal. helps with my allergies, but nothing should surprise me, for they really are unsure how it works.


Jaba

Je,

I hope that all is well for you (and you don't feel like you need to start another thread for your progress because of our chatting). Post soon and let us know how you are doing.

Maggie - I am doing AF today, or trying. Tomorrow, Friday, I won't be AF, or at least I don't think so. Celebrating a long weekend is a habit that I still have!! Trying instead for it to be a reasonable celebration and not out of control!! THAT would be a bigger victory for me, actually, than white knuckling an AF Friday which is what it would be at this point. xoxo Newlife