So, I've been primarily a lurker for the past 7 months. I started Naltrexone in November 2010 and have been religiously taking it ever since 1 hour before drinking. As of last month, I was pretty discouraged. I had seen no measurable change in my consumption and was close to giving up. I was drinking 30-50 units per week. I read a number of posts encouraging other members to put in some effort at trying to have alcohol free days. I had not done that. So, last weekend I decided to start a 3 week cleanse diet of primarily fruits and vegetables. No alcohol of any type allowed. It has now been 7 days that I have been alcohol free and I have not had any desire to have a drink. I'm not saying that I'm cured, but I have to say I'm pretty surprised how easy it was once I made a plan to stop drinking for 3 weeks. I have been out 2x this past week while others drank and I had no interest. I'm shocked at how indifferent I feel about alcohol. I am having some strange dreams about drinking and then regretting it later, but in real life that hasn't happened. So, I say thanks to all of you have encouraged me to hang in their through your posts over the last 7 months. I'm forever grateful. For those of you who are doubting this method, I will give you the advice that was given to me, give it some effort. My own personal advice, is to make a plan to be alcohol free for a certain period of time and give it a try. You might surprise yourself. Thanks to everyone for your posts and status updates. It is incredibly helpful to read everyone's posts and follow your progress. Thanks for letting me lurk. I'm not much for talking about my problem. I'm much more into to talking about my approach to success. Short-term as it is, it is the longest I've been alcohol free in a year!
Hang in their everyone who may be discouraged. There is hope!

Awesome post! Way to hang in there! Congratulation!

Yes, everyone should apply some effort to reduce after a few months on TSM.

Congrats Pumpkin! That's great news. And I agree with you - some effort on nal is always a good thing.
EL

Thanks for your input and perspective Pumpkin. It goes to show how different individual progress can be! Great work and best of luck.

-dragonfly

It has been 13 days since I started my cleanse and I decided to stop drinking. The great news is I've had exactly one drink in 13 days. Wow! No cravings and I don't really miss it. The only reason I had a drink was because I took a client out for dinner and I felt obligated to have a drink so she didn't feel uncomfortable ordering one. Hopefully, I can get over feeling uncomfortable not drinking and find a way to encourage others not to change their behavior just for me. I'm finally feeling like I've got it under control! Not cured, but definitely controlled. Today is a great day!

What happy news, Pumpkin! congrats!

Thanks for your post pumpkin. I think that the time has come for me to force an AF day, so encouraged to hear of your progress! Keep it up!

Thanks everyone for your words of support and encouragement! I'm thrilled to be where I am. I had several opportunities to drink over the last 2 weeks and have had no interest. I went to drinks with a client a few nights ago and again felt obligated to order something. I ordered a martini and proceeded to drink half of it in 2 hours. I now need to make a plan to get used to not drinking in situations where it is customary to drink. Anyone have tips for someone who entertains clients 4-5 nights a week? I've been 16 days with only 1.5 drinks. I never thought I'd get here. So, those of you who have doubts, hang in there. It took me 7 months and a little effort and I feel like I have it under control for the first time in 10 years! I've got so much extra time and energy my house is getting clean, my skin has cleared up, I've lost 8 pounds and am exercising everyday. I've realized that life is so much better when I'm sober. My wish for anyone who is struggling is that you continue on Nal and put a little effort in and see the results. Seven months was a long time and I was beginning to believe it would never happen to me. Don't give up hope!!!!!

Pumpkin, what lovely words of hope (especially when I am feeling a bit down and crappy today!!).

This is great news! Can I add you to the regained control list?