I hope this is the time when the beast finally gives up and your numbers begin to plummet or slide significantly. We'll see if it's a roller-coaster or an avalanche. We've seen both types after us "plateau types" (as opposed to classic exponential decay) begin seeing the effects of de-addiction. This next week may be anything from a significant drop to an uncharacteristic last chance spike. But it appears that the end is now in sight!

Wishing you well,

Bob

Thanks, bob. I'm ready for either but of course have my fingers crossed. I still have whiplash after the rollercoaster ride a couple weeks ago.

This is GREAT! You really deserve it! This sounds a lot like the light switch "clicking." I sure hope so!

Lena,

Hi. I hope this is the Lena I am thinking it is.

I am crossing my fingers for you, too. You have almost halved your consumption since starting. Great progress.

Let's hope you are on a gentle downward slope ending up at your goal.

Cindi

Cindi - Yep, it's me. [We know each other from MyWayOut]. Thanks so much for the kind words. Yes, I think it's going to be okay. Best, lena

That's great Lena. Definably signs that the results of extinction are becoming apparent to you.

Q

AWESOME Lena!

I couldn't be happier for you!

It's kind of surreal writing this --

The end is in sight. I'm counting drinks carefully because it matters now. No topping off and losing count. At home I drink from the same glass so I am familiar with how much is a 4 1/2 oz glass of wine. So the numbers are accurate.

I did go back to wine Sunday and drank the whole bottle (5). Could have stopped, I suppose, but I really enjoyed it. My tolerance has gone to practically nothing. I could taste the alcohol in the last couple of glasses. Tues, left almost half the bottle untouched. Wed, thought I would change it up again and made a carefully measured double vodka & lemonade in a huge glass and took one sip and poured it out because it tasted awful. Too strong. In the past I avoided vodka because I could pretty much pound it with impunity. Pretty much the same pattern all week until last night. I had a bottle of my favorite sauv blanc. I had planned to meet friends but cancelled because I was wasted after two glasses. After I finished the bottle I thought for some reason I would keep drinking so I made a vodka & water. Took one sip and changed my mind and went to bed.

I really enjoyed the wine this week though.

The good news is my numbers are way down. I still have not had an AF day and, because my tolerance is so low, still parked on the couch for much of the evening. I'm not complaining, I'm just sayin'.

I really can't believe this. I'm not sure I do believe this.

Week 19 units/craving
5/4, 3/3, 4/4, 3/4, 5/4, 5/3, 5/6

Pre TSM +/- 70/wk; Craving 10
Months 1 & 2 +/- 60/wk; Craving 6
Month 3 +/- 40/wk; Craving 5
Week 14 +/- 65/wk; Craving 8
Week 15 +/- 60/wk; Craving 7
Week 16 +/-50/wk; Craving 6
Week 17 +/-53/wk; Craving 5 to 8
Week 18 40/wk; Craving 8 to 3
Week 19 30/wk; Craving 6 to 3

Ah, this sounds familiar. You're getting there kiddo! I wouldn't be surprised if you had an AF day or two this week. Try at least one and you'll get hooked on AF days. It'll give you some time to reinforce good things you really enjoy, too. But don't do it because I'm suggesting it; do it when you're ready, even though it sounds to me like you're ready.

Bob

This is fantastic. Another checkered flag waiting for someone who couldn't deserve it more.