Unlike Jaba I do feel differently when on Nal - it does pull me down - and I do feel; better when I have a couple of days off the Nal - BUT I have to weigh up which is more important to me - to take the nal and feel down or the alternative which would be to stop the nal - and there is no way that I am dong that! I am in this for the long haul and do try and have a day off now and then - I hit a rough patch recently where I did not have an AF day for 3 weeks - but then did have some AF days and it helped .....

Hang in there terez - this is not an easy road but the alternative is way harder !

Hugs, Maggie

Teresa,

It looks to me that you are making progress from your 90 unit weeks prior to NAL. Slow and steady progress is what I really like about this program. The slowing down of AL intake over time makes a lot more sense than trying to go cold turkey. Best of luck

Trying for an AF night tonight - day off Nal. Hope will brighten my mood tomorrow. Having a Ribena on the rocks w/ sparkling water while prepping dinner for a change. Ribena - haven't had that for ages. Looks and sounds like a cocktail anyway.
Thanks for ur encouragement. Week seven and counting.

Stated TSM Fri 28th AUG 2015
Before TSM 10 to 19 units most days/ average 91 units/week - no AF days.
Wk:units (AF)
1: 62 (1) 50mg Nal 1st night (spacey feeling), then 2 nights at 25mg, then 50mg going forward.
2: 91 (0) part of this week on beach vacation, discouraged, didn't keep close track, drank a lot as is usual on vaca, number approx
3: 90 (1) part of this week on beach vacation, unit number approx
4: 84 (0)
5: 62 (2) added 25mg of Topamax on advice of addiction psychiatrist but stopped after 3 nights because of zombie SE.
6: 68 (0)
Week 7
Fri 12
Sat 10
Sun 9

Oh Terez - I have not had Ribena for YEARS ! I might buy some when I get to UK this week ! That really sounds yummy ....

And good for you trying for an AF night - good luck with it !

Hugs, Maggie x

Terez,

I do hope that your af day went okay, and you are feeling better today. It looks like your intake has decreased and things are doing really well for you. I was wondering how is your husband doing with TSM, or is he trying something else now?

Keep up the good work and keep posting,

Jaba

Ribena turned to red wine when hub arrived home with supplies and poured himself a glass.
No arm twisting required. Did wait the full hour and didn't finish the bottle of red. Had had enough - these are encouraging signs, very new to me. Used to never be leftover wine in the house once a bottle opened. Still, aiming for at least one AF day this week. Making boeuf bourguignon this afternoon for a dinner party tomorrow night. Made with red wine. Part of the fun's always one for the pot, one for me. Not going to fight it today, going to enjoy cooking but be mindful. Sometimes when I fight the urge to drink, I end up drinking more than if i don't fight it.
Jaba - hub following the golden rule but not tracking his use, I was going to track it for him best I could but decided not to. This is such a personal choice, personal journey. He is finding it making a difference on his consumption. Most w'ends he passes out in the lounge room watching tv. Without even trying, he's noticed that has not happened since he started TSM.
Works in progress - staying the course. Thanks for the encouragement.

Stated TSM Fri 28th AUG 2015
Before TSM 10 to 19 units most days/ average 91 units/week - no AF days.
Wk:units (AF)
1: 62 (1) 50mg Nal 1st night (spacey feeling), then 2 nights at 25mg, then 50mg going forward.
2: 91 (0) part of this week on beach vacation, discouraged, didn't keep close track, drank a lot as is usual on vaca, number approx
3: 90 (1) part of this week on beach vacation, unit number approx
4: 84 (0)
5: 62 (2) added 25mg of Topamax on advice of addiction psychiatrist but stopped after 3 nights because of zombie SE.
6: 68 (0)
Week 7
Fri 12
Sat 10
Sun 9
Mon 6

Terez,

Those AF days will come and do not worry about it. Just keep on trying.

I do know what you mean about not being able to have an open bottle of wine in the house (well any bottle open or closed), so you are making progress...really good progress! You are still very early in this process and you are doing better than I was at 7 weeks! Be proud of your progress for it is really good!

I understand what you mean about your husband, but he is still doing it and that is all that matter. I am happy that he is seeing progress and it sounds like it's coming naturally to him!

Keep posting, and the good work...you should be very happy with your progress for it truly is amazing!

Jaba

Terez, it sounds like you are both doing well.

"Sometimes when I fight the urge to drink, I end up drinking more than if i don't fight it." I know exactly what you mean by that statement. It is almost like having to fight the urge annoys me and I give in.

Checking in.
Feeling discouraged. a little hung over today. drank more than usual yesterday. i mostly drink a light red wine, but out of the blue my appetite for it has vanished this past week. bloody marys, vodka soda all i have a desire to drink. mindful, must remember to be mindful. Getting back to tracking.
good week to all.

Stated TSM Fri 28th AUG 2015
Before TSM 10 to 19 units most days/ average 91 units/week - no AF days.
Wk:units (AF)
1: 62 (1) 50mg Nal 1st night (spacey feeling), then 2 nights at 25mg, then 50mg going forward.
2: 91 (0) part of this week on beach vacation, discouraged, didn't keep close track, drank a lot as is usual on vaca, number approx
3: 90 (1) part of this week on beach vacation, unit number approx
4: 84 (0)
5: 62 (2) added 25mg of Topamax on advice of addiction psychiatrist but stopped after 3 nights because of zombie SE.
6: 68 (0)
Week 7, 8, 9 didn't keep count units (0)
Fri 12
Sat 14
Sun took nal as not sure … tbd

Terez,

You are on that rollercoaster ride. It is hard at times to focus on the future, but you are getting there, for you are still following that golden rule.

Everyones intake increase before it goes down it is just part of the process. Mindful drinking is your best bet. Trying to make those first 3 drinks last as long as possible helps to be mindful.

You are doing great, just keep doing what you are doing and the rest will follow.

Jaba