I agree, the "motivation factor" plays a big part in getting the drinking under control b/c taking the nal alone won't do it. Willpower comes into play and the willpower is fed by motivation. We each have to find the motivation to feed our willpower to help us get to the next step. So it seems the results from reducing alcohol, eating better, and exercising (=lost pounds) is working for you Chrissie. That is wonderful!

Glad to hear of your wins and thanks for sharing your "thought process" thru all of this.

Update time: Life is GOOD, and I'm still pinching myself...

At this point, I'm feeling pretty much...well, the "C-Word", though I daren't say it out loud; I'll take my time on that. But I feel calm and confident. As I said recently, still mopping up some old habits, but I feel very much on top of them. I still sometimes drink more than is healthy, but somehow it doesn't feel like a problem. I mean, I don't do it from "losing control" or the old "gotta have more!" compulsion, but more the old habit-thingy, w/ a residual "rebellion" element thrown in. But progress on all those fronts, looking good!

As for my current experience w/ alcohol...hmm. I don't think about it that much and I no longer look forward to the days I "get" to drink (I'm usually AF at least every other day). Still, it is a nice feeling to think if I want to have a drink, it's okay, but I don't panic if we go to a restaurant that doesn't serve, etc. There is still a buzz, but it continues to get even less desirable/interesting & more like a waste of calories. The pattern of "Either AF or Drunk Day" I went through for several months late this summer has vanished, right after my little 8-day AF stint, a mini-miracle

I went to see my (beloved) GP last week and she noted my BP and weight are down. She asked about alcohol, and for the first time in MANY years, I was able to be truthful: I told her I averaged about 10/week, and I expected that number to decrease. I've done TSM w/o her knowledge and I considered telling her, but I think I'll wait until my next appt. in 4 months...when I'm feeling more secure in my "C" status. I feel a bit like a wobbly-legged colt taking its first steps, but that is improving. (Geez, what's w/ me, and the horse analogies??? Remember the skittish race horse, and then the fat Shetland Pony???) That seems so long ago...

Nal on, ever'body...TSM WORKS.

Am very happy to read your update and hear of your success. I chuckled at your comment about going to the doctor and actually being truthful.....yes, isn't that a nice feeling! (I recently experienced the same thing.)

It takes time doing TSM for alcohol to be on the brain less and less....I think one needs to get used to the new habit of not having alcohol being the center of every evening or event. You've really done well Chrissie and inspired many of us here.

And to borrow from AA, it really is one day at a time. Take care.

Congratulations on your progress Chrissie! You continue to inspire and motivate the rest of us, thank you for your continued encouragement

im jelous, just kiden im very happy for you. chrisse how did YOU break the HABIT, ROUTINE part of drinking?

Wow, great news Chrissie!

Seems to me you are very close to being cured. Just keep taking the Nal before you drink and I think it's inevitable! There is no rush --just KOKO -- and one day soon you'll with absolute confidence own it and SAY it!

Applause all around! Wow. Thanks.

Great and inspiring news Chrissie. I'm not there yet but staying with it. Your encouragement both direct and on the forum has meant a lot!

You go girl!!!! I am so happy for you!

Thanks, friends! So far, so good but I know it's a slippery slope, bein' a human, 'n all...

Hey, Larry, as one daily drinker to another, the first thing to start to break your habit is to get that first AF day in. I know how much you fear it, but speaking just from my own life experience, usually the things I really, really fear or dread end up not being nearly as bad as all the angst before hand. Not to say it will be pleasant...but then again, it might! I mean, what a great feeling it will be for you to accomplish it. Can you plan a different environment, like going to stay at a friends house over night? Or I was thinking, "where could a person go and know they couldn't drink..." A homeless shelter came to mind - maybe you could go and volunteer to be an attendant there over night - I bet they wouldn't turn down any volunteer help. Who knows? Some creative thinking about what you can do to start to address the habit part...be creative, be determined. At this point, I think achieving an AF would be great strategy for you, on your TSM journey.

Hey Chrissie,

Great to hear of your progress. Isn't the feeling of being in control of alcohol a great feeling? Looking forward to seeing you on the cured list.

Eric