After 30 weeks and always taking my nal before drinking, and after having been able to enjoy about 3 AF's per week, I feel like I have not gained control. I can't seem to limit my wine consumption to 2 per evening, and I always feel wretched the next day after 4 units. Perhaps the fact that I've been away from home for 6 weeks and living temporarily in vacation-like mode has thrown off my progress. (DH and I are keeping wine in the condo--sometimes I can ignore it, but still I think it's not a good idea.) I think I'm the kind of person who really needs structure. So I'm going to not drink for a few days. The big challenge is today's arrival of friends who are pretty big drinkers. In a way, I think I'll enjoy watching THEM while I don't drink and then know I'll awaken in the morning feeling great!

How about it? Is 30 weeks still too soon to expect the control I seek? I have been drinking for 25 years, so I guess it's going to take time. But I do wonder. My DH doesn't seem to take my drinking distress to heart. For he can drink a bottle of wine at night and still feel fine the next day. Okay, I'm rambling now, but only because I feel confused and off track. I'll be glad to get back home in a couple of weeks and reestablish a routine.

Slipstreamer, I think that for people who have been on TSM a while and seem to have hit a plateau in their progress, some AF days are really helpful. I don't know what it is exactly, but I think it breaks the habit and routine and allows your brain to find a new normal. Good luck with AF days. You may find them to be easier than expected.

Tambo

Thanks so much for your helpful words. They make sense to me and motivate me to take this short break and then restart the method. Hope is so important to all of us on this journey. That sense of hope is what you've given me. All the best to you!

Hello.

Fellow drinker of over 25 years. At week 30 or so I was getting frustrated with TSM also and was still drinking heavily. Coincidentally, it was at about that time I decided to force a few AF days and to my surprise it was easy. Shortly thereafter I felt "cured." So, I would strongly encourage anyone who has been on the method for several months to see if they can push an AF day. It may very well be a lot easier than you think.
If you have STRONG cravings, then I would drink through them, but only if you basically can't control yourself.

Good luck. And check my progress thread for some encouragement. I was not a happy camper at 30 weeks but shortly thereafter had regained control.

My best,

Nick

Thanks, Nick. You're right. I have been succeeding more now with planned AF days and am already sensing that nal is doing its work. For example, one night, with an opened but full bottle of white wine in the fridge (bought by my DH), I wasn't even tempted to have any. And last night, after one out to dinner and one back home, I poured a third and couldn't drink it!

Your words, esp around this week 30 time, are so encouraging. Thanks for reassuring me.

I will soon update my progress.