A personal favorite of mine. "Bottom" is a stupid and meaningless concept, because it can only be known in hindsight. You can't really say anyone has hit bottom, because they may relapse and get a brand new one. I've learned that "bottom" is apparently whatever was going on when someone decided to join AA.


Or maybe he simply doesn't want to give himself a label that comes with a lot of baggage. Or maybe he has the crazy idea that he knows himself and his situation better than you do.


I hope so, because no one has ever shown up drunk at an AA meeting, and I know that no one ever gets drunk afterwards either.


This is a good example of why AA is obviously a religion. If it were merely a self-help program, no way would anyone take it so personally.

I think you owe it to your brother to at least give him some information about TSM (and all the other medical options). If it were someone I loved, I would take them for a Vivitrol shot as soon as possible (with their consent, of course). If your brother was bipolar and instead of lithium your family wanted an exorcism, I assume you'd get him the care he needed even if it meant getting disowned. I think you are in a very similar situation.

Hi sober_girl,

It's an inspiration to follow your progress! It's great that it seems TSM is working for you, keep up the good work!

I think the progress-chart you are using is very neat. Is it possible to get hold of that spreadsheet?

Cheers

At the very least, you have to make sure he's aware that real therapies exist. Even if your father succeeds in converting him to AA, that won't make him quit drinking. Thousands of AA converts drink themselves to death.

It sounds like he could use some inpatient care. In addition to the Florida clinic mentioned upthread, there's a new one in California. You didn't say where on the west coast he lives, but that might be more convenient. Inpatient isn't required, but maybe there's someone who could stay with him for a while and work through this with him? Maybe you could tell him your own story, in confidence?

Let your father throw his fit. You're an adult who can make adult decisions, and your brother will be grateful forever.

It's your call, of course. You have your reasons, and you're the only one who can know the right decision.

Latest progress:

OMG! This girl has learned TSM protocol and is a quick responder! Applause!

Thanks, plantpr0!! I have never failed to take the naltrexone. Even last night, I just wanted two beers left over in the fridge. Well, gotta take that naltrexone and wait an hour! There's no back and forth in my mind anymore ("it's just two, you can skip the pill) - I am 100% sold on this method and I will follow protocol for the rest of my life. No problem!!

Do you mind if I and a few friends follow you on your path?

Be glad to have you along!

Love it! Ty for documenting and sharing your experience with TSM protocol. Well done Sober_Girl. Applause.