Thanks, potato.

V.

Hi Folks,

Well, I have just completed my tenth week on the Sinclair Method and there is still no sign of my alcohol intake reducing. As I have said previously, the clonazepam seems to be interfering with this process. I'm still weaning myself off clonazepam but it will take several more weeks before I am finally clear of this medication. And that's assuming that everything goes to plan. What a nuisance (to put it politely)!

I'm still drinking daily and taking the naltrexone as recommended so I'm hoping that changes are taking place inside my skull. It's just that I've got nothing to show for it - at the moment. However, I'm not a quitter and I shall persevere with this method for at least another ten weeks.

V.

Good for you, Virgil. I have a very strong sense that you're going to succeed remarkably once this kicks in. I'm so glad you're in it for the long haul!

Virgil,

You have the right attitude, and I know you'll see changes eventually. I think I've completely 'blown it' this week, because my drinking has been off the charts, and I was doing SO WELL..... But then I remember, life sucks for everybody at times. Even "normal" people get drunk when somebody they love dies, etc. I'm having an off week, but I've seen a tremendous improvement overall, and that's what matters.

And we're all unique physically, psychologically, etc. The changes will come at different times for everyone. And for me, I know this backslide is temporary - I no longer doubt TSM is working, even when I scew up. Everybody screws up, but better days will come, and I'll be back on track. You'll move forward too - I have no doubt.

Virgil -
I'm w/ ya in questioning the progress, but I get swept up in the optimism of everyone else, and hark back to my own when I picked up the book in January. It was like the clouds parted and a voice said, NOAH...THIS IS GOD" (quote from an old Bill Cosby skit).

Gotta listen to that voice! And I do believe - keeping track and thinking about it all. Hang in -

Hi Folks,

It's that time in the week when I sit down at my PC and tot up how many units I've consumed over the last seven days. Today's figure is spot on 100 UK units. My brain 'thermostat' seems to be well and truly stuck on this figure. I've now been on TSM for eleven weeks. I'm still in the process of withdrawing from clonazepam and it appears to be going reasonably well. Having said that, I'm now beginning to wonder if my bad dreams are being caused by clonazepam withdrawal - as opposed to the naltrexone, which is what I originally thought; I guess I'll never know for sure. These dreams are very draining such that, when I awaken, I'm usually exhausted and anxious. What a way to start the day! I thought sleep was supposed to be refreshing!

Anyway, I shall plod on with fingers crossed.

V.

Ah Virg. I think there's something in the air this week. Maybe the emotional equivalent of sunspots. We all seem to be a little under the weather, emotionally. I promise, we'll both get to the finish line, one way or t'other. . .

Virgil ,
I'm impressed by your faith . And I don't think it's misplaced despite your continual hovering around 100 units .
Again and again when I look at the book there is mention of change after a few weeks, after two and half months , 3, 4 , 6 .....in fact it's hard to discern a rule at all.
To that you add the hampering of medication effect as well .
In your first week there was a big drop which still counts to say Naltrexone effects you for sure .
I wouldn't like to double my intake again but I can't rule it out at my stage .
Keep the faith , it is still early days yet ( but , seems oh so long at times ) .

Hi elfern,

Thanks for your words of support. In actual fact, there wasn't a big drop in my alcohol consumption in my first week; it was essentially identical to my pre-SM figure. Since week 1, my alcohol intake has increased and has now stabilized on 100 UK units per week.

I certainly intend to keep the faith up but I'm really been tested to the full at present.

All the best to you.

V.

Hi Folks,

I've just completed Week 12 on the Sinclair Method and, sadly, progress still continues to evade me. I take some consolation from netty's recent post in which the topic of "research subject criteria" is mentioned. I urge others to read this post, which can be found at viewtopic.php?f=9&t=150&start=40.

So, once again, my alcohol intake over the last seven days has been around the 100 UK units mark - 99 UK units, to be precise. I am not exercising any self-restraint when drinking - nor have I ever done. If I want a drink, I have a drink. Throughout the week (Mon - Fri), I do not drink before 6:00pm. Over the weekend, I might have a drink as early as 3:00 pm. In other words, I'm still a daily drinker. Alcohol-free days are a pipedream. I shall be interested to see a reply from Dr Eskapa in response to SR's question about self-control. See viewtopic.php?f=15&t=481.

Being a fully signed-up member of the 'Benzo Bunch', I'm still in the process of withdrawing from clonazepam and it's very slow but I have no intention of suffering withdrawal symptoms, if I can possibly avoid it. Now when I say very slow, I mean it. I shall not take my last dose of clonazepam until September of this year. So far, with the possible exception of bad dreams, I would appear to be tapering off successfully. Long may it continue!

It would be very easy for me to become disheartened at present so, how am I managing to keep my head above water? Simple - I take refuge in the therapy that I am currently receiving. I have been 'in therapy' for more years than I care to remember but I'm currently making progress and it feels great!

All the very best to everyone who has embarked on the TSM journey!

V.