Thanks for the replies to my last post. It means alot to me. Well, I made it through the first week and it was interesting. Felt a little sick a few times after taking the Nal, but no big deal. It is funny, not sure if it is my mind (knowing how Nal is supposed to effect you), but on day one, I had only two and a half drinks. (5 units). I felt immediately in control and did not want more. I smoked only one cigarette as well, as I only smoke when I drink. Usually that turns into 6-8 cigs as well.

I was also hesitant as to starting last week, as I was due to visit friends in SF and we always drink with them. Well, I did it anyways, and I did drink with them, but not without the Nal. Overall it was very encouraging.

Started 1-18-2011

Pre TSM 5-10 drinks a night (10-20 units) 6-8 cigarettes a night
Pre TSM 110 average units a week - Two 1/2 packs of cigarettes

Here was my progress.

Day one: 5 units & 1 Cig
Day two: 13 units & 6 cigs
Day three: 5 units & 1 cig
Day Four: 8 Units & 5 cigs
Day Five: 20 units & 8 cigs (this was party night with my friends)
Day Six: 6 units & 2 cigs
Day Seven: 12 units & 5 cigs

Week 1: 69 Units & 28 cigs!!!

I know that is a lot, but for me that is great! My goal would be 2-3 drinks a night with a couple AF days in the week. I think it is possible...... not sure how long, but I believe I can get there.

Let's go week two!

jamie

Hey Jamie - LET'S GO WEEK TWO! Love it.

Good start for you. Good attitude you have. I think that is partly because we have this forum. Without it we wouldn't understand the ups and downs of this process.

Have a great second week.

HG.

Okay,

I posted to HG's post and mentioned a little devil that sits on my shoulder.... well, he is interesting... seems like before he really didnt talk much, because every time he did, I instantly did what he said to shut him up.... now I resist him, and he keeps on talking....

I believe I am in more control, because I do not do what he says instantly anymore, and I have had some success in resisting him... but because of that, at least for the time being, he seems to be talking more to me as a result.

Yesterday, he even suggested that the whole NAL working thing is only in my head. I believe it is making me gain control, therefore i am gaining control. But to prove that I am, maybe I should not take my NAL and drink for one night to see if there is a difference.

Dont worry, I did not do it.... but I couldnt believe that I was actually contemplating that!!!!! Oh, I cant wait to beat this addiction!!!!

jamie

Hi Jamie

Welcome to the board. I am only 6 or so weeks ahead of you & it has gone fast. I'm 49 (aargh!), female and married with 2 beautiful boys - 12 & 9. (We started late!) I am optimistic that TSM is going to work for me after 17 years in & out of AA and countless relapses. In some ways it is already working. Am still doing AA as face to face contact with other alcoholics has been important for me, but it is tricky given that AA is abstinence based. My sponsor is encouraging me to do both for now & see how it goes.
Anyway all the best & glad you feel it's going to work for you too.

Cheers
Sticky

Hey Jamie - Yep that little devil sits on my shoulder too. Last night s/he told me to have one more. My husband said, "Are you okay?" which is code for "why are you drunk!" I said, "I'm just tired," which is code for "I'm sorry I drank too much tonight." I sure notice that less units make me more drunk than I used to get. The longer I take Nal (I'm at week 9), the more it affects my level of intoxication on less units. I was pretty bummed this morning that I got so drunk last night, but what is the sense of beating myself up, so I popped on the forum and St. V's words of encouragement of Nal-On made me feel better. I am shooting this week for 35 units total. Sounds like you are off to a good start.

Keep posting. HG

Half Glass, your "code words" made me laugh. I guess we have some of those in my household too, although I've never thought of them.

Jamie, I also had those thoughts about TSM being purely in my head. I woke up the first night after taking Nal in a panic. I was doing some weird dreaming about how I had created the whole method to explain my drinking. Apparently I can will pharmaceutical drugs into existence to appease my addiction (see shutter island). It's not in our heads, it's real. It's just really hard to accept that maybe there's a real, scientific cure for what we've become.