Just a heads up for those in Northernly Climes - NAL is not available OTC in Canada. I walked in to a couple of different Pharmacies about a month ago while there on a trip - and was told no, no and no! Not available without a script.

Quick note here to touch base as well - as you can see my numbers are starting to decrease. I would like to share a few things that have happened over the last few weeks.

1. Was out to dinner at a local Mexican restaurant w/ the wife and kids. Ordered a beer as usual. When the waiter came to check up on us, and ask if we'd like another round, I just said "no thanks". This is crazy because I have NEVER said no to a second drink at a restaurant. EVER. And what's even more bizarre - It didn't register for me what had happened till the next morning. My wife picked it up right away though.

2. The overall "chasing the buzz" stuff has really decreased. Used to chase it till I was hammered / too far gone to enjoy it. Now I seem to drink 2 or so within the first couple of hours after work - and then leave it alone for a few hours, then have a couple more after the kids are asleep. So 2 beers during their "daddy time" rather than continual beers. This is a big change for me.

3. Have had many days now where it's just a couple of beers. Had a 2 beer day last week. Last night, a Friday - I had 4 beers over the course of the evening. Granted some nights are more, like going out to a game or out with a buddy - but the "at home" stuff is totally coming down. I think this may be due to me "extinct-ing" the at home behavior first, since it's where I typically ply my evil trade the most.

4. Overall I used to drink about 8 per night. I'm down to roughly 5 or less now on my "at home" nights. Still going out is a problem - had 12 drinks a week ago out with a buddy. I will work on that and suspect that it will "self extinct" as well - just that it will take longer since I practice that - and do it - less than hanging out at the house w/ the wife and kids.

5. And for those of you with family problems related to this whole mess - I can share with you that my wife, who was literally ready to leave me and divorce my drunken ass, is now peaches and cream and believes in what I am doing. She is starting to see not just the changes in numbers (which I share with her frequently) - but she is seeing an increase in my engagement with the family and a newfound willingness to do stuff after work with the kids etc that doesn't revolve solely around drinking.

And what I am doing is thanks to all of you and the pioneering spirit of TSM and this board.

Thank You.

--Juancho

This is great news. And a good reminder to everyone that although the TSM roller coaster is a long one, there are gradual benefits along the way, apart from the numbers. Re-engagement with the family -- can't put a price tag on that. Nal on!

Just besides myself with excitement to report my numbers this week. Lowest yet since starting TSM - 38 !!!

It has taken some will power, but not much. I'm finding what's most hard to break is the habitual thing - reaching for another when one is down. But once I realize, in my mind, what is going on, it's very easy to just push it aside. Much better than white knuckling! And while 43 last week and 38 this week are still higher than safe/cured, I am VERY happy with the results so far! It's a hell of a lot better than 50-60 a few short weeks ago! Hopefully this indicates the roller-coaster is over...

Hopefully the downward trend continues...

Congratulations Juancho, your showing some great progress and your figures are reflecting that. Great to hear about how your family situation has changed for the better, you must be chuffed with that (and deservedly so). The roller-coaster may not be over quite yet though. In most cases it seems to continue up to 30 weeks and beyond but eventually it definitely does stop. Along the way you'll have many instances where TSM will allow you to experience positive change (like the experience with your family) and its important to reflect on those and saviour them because thats what its all about. You're going great. Happy 4th of July in advance

WJ is spot on: the roller coaster lasts longer than we would like, most often. But YOU WILL get there.