My main progress has been learning and that's been via this forum. I'm 2.5 weeks in and feeling strong and hopeful, and drinking far less. Since I know extinction takes a lot of time, the reduction in drinking is due to belief in the system, compliance and effort--and my supportive nature. That's all good.

Learning has included: don't expect a magic pill. NAL may be a magic pill, but like any method or aid, it will not work by itself. Maybe the key word is WORK. Earlier postings from St Jude and others regarding effort made me look at TSM as the total system. The extinction is possible, but not without compliance and effort, support and belief in myself and the method.

Gaining control will require discipline. Without your reminders that personal investment and effort are part of the mix, I would be likely to wait for the magic pill to sprout on its own. Better this way.

Learning has also included: don't expect a smooth ride. There will be bumps and curves and detours and road blocks. The forum has been absolutely invaluable in that lesson.

Under the Try a Litte Effort Motto:
1) My gaining control program involves disciplining myself to check the forum twice a day to get the group support and information and to provide what little support I can as a team player trying to win the game with the rest of you.
2) Also keeping my TSM logue current.
3) Also, trying just one thing every day to gain control over alcohol. Even a little thing, like using a measuring cup from bottle to glass to visualize those ounces, or waiting an extra 30 minutes to pour the first glass, or not opening a new bottle for 20 minutes after finishing the last glass, or like I did last night--not drinking a glass or two of wine before going out to dinner. It was amazingly easy to do, but the point is I planned it, thought about it, focused on it and did it.

It's all SMALL stuff, but it keeps the focus, builds discipline and hopefully reinforces the goal.

As always, good luck to US!

Wow GC! I love the idea of measuring from bottle to measuring cup to glass. I'm going to try that too.

Half glass

I measure the first glass of wine and then make a mark on the wine glass with a sharpie or crayon so the next glass or two (my new limit unless I want a headache) don't need measuring. In the past I would do the bottomless glass because if you never finish it before you refill it it only counts as one, right? All alcoholics count drinks this way don't we? Good stuff GC, you're off to a good start.

Hi gaincontrol. You have a great attitude. If you are already experiencing a substantial difference when drinking on NAL, that likely means you are a "responder" which bodes well.

On the issue of "magic pill" vs. effort or will power, this has been discussed countless time on this board in various ways, but here is my view. First off, if you are a "responder," you will probably have noticed that taking NAL before you drink substantially reduces the buzz or pleasurable effects of drinking alcohol. In order to be successful at this method you have to make the decision to take the pill each and every time you drink, so there is some will power required right from the start, since NAL diminish the endorphin rush from using alcohol.

Second, drinking alcohol is dangerous. I think it is wise to exercise will power and always try to limit how much you drink if possible. However, I would not recommend trying too hard to change your patterns -- unless they are at a dangerous level to begin with (drinking driving, black outs, etc.) -- in the first few months as according to TSM theory you need to get the benefit of many "extinction sessions" early on which should reduce cravings.

Third, I agree with a point Nemo and other have made. If after two or three months on TSM, you are not experiencing the results you would like naturally, try to use a modicum of will power. You might be surprised how easy it is to add AF days or plan ahead of time how many drinks you will consume on a particular occasion. For some people it appears that it all happens naturally, but many others say they have exercised some effort. In my case, I feel it is a bit of both. I feel less compulsion to drink now so it is easier to set realistic and achievable targets and goals.

Welcome and good luck.

Thanks to all for the feedback--as usual, all great ideas, and all reinforcing the need for our involvement beyond swallowing the pill. St. Vincent--marking the glass is smart, and keeps the discipline, focus and reminder going!

A little more reflecting yesterday...I was cleaning off a bulletin board containing greeting cards received over the last year or so. I was astounded by how many of those cards tout drinking. It's all meant in fun, but my new efforts at focus, discipline, and awareness of alcohol and I was a little taken aback. It's just so darned acceptable to drink--and even to drink little too much, and to encourage each other to do it.

I KNOW that I sent many of the same themed cards to others as well, so I'm not pointing fingers or blame at anyone, and I sure laughed when I got the cards. Cleaning off the board just made me notice the little nudges we have to keep in mind to keep the focus. We do consciously and unconsciously reinforce drinking behaviors.

I loved Suzie's how much have you not drunk post! Great awareness campaign. It had occured to me that my recycle bin looks a lot more barren, and my grocery "customer" card is starting to show a big drop in wine dollars spent, but counting and lining up the one-victory-at-a-time is great!

Merlot, you're right, I am a responder--and one of those compliant patients who take their meds faithfully and logue their behaviors. In fact, I studied behavior modification in college (a long time ago, but I was and still am a devotee). So I'm very confident in TSM, not only for compliant subjects, but for everyone if they follow the rule--never drink without our friend NAL. It may be a straighter curve for some, but taken faithfully, NAL should do the job on its own for most of us.

I admit I'm GLAD that I get to keep drinking--so not much chance I'll change that behavior too soon. And, I'm not being naive, I think I'm at "a good place" just now so responding well. I expect to ride the roller coaster just like everyone else.

The HABIT of drinking is coming into focus for me, too. Last night, I sat at the table and chatted with my husband after we finished eating, and although I was not drawn to wanting more wine (merlot, Merlot!), I poured myself an added part unit twice just because I was there and so was the bottle.....time to switch to a decaf coffee for after dinner! (I still held units down, but it could have been better!)

So true! I quit drinking for four months a couple of years ago (only to get crushed by a big trigger and the alcohol deprivation effect) and that's when I saw what you describe. Suddenly I noticed that almost everything revolves around drinking! Commercials, sitcoms, parties, dinners, even wine at the hair salon ... its everywhere! I became incredibly withdrawn, avoiding parties and social events, because I felt awkward and didn't want to deal with the craving. I think that is why it is so hard to just quit drinking, it is woven into the very fabric of our lives.

And I know that is why we are all so attracted to TSM - it is not just so "drunks can keep getting drunk", as I heard someone (not a drunk, totally didn't get it!) describe it once. Quite the opposite, TSM is attactive because we want to lose the obsession, break free of the chains. We just want to be like everyone else.

GC, I think being as introspective and analytical as you are will help you through TSM. You are right, it is not a magic pill (well, maybe it is for some, but certainly not for most.) The book paints a rosy picture, 3-4 months, with a nice, steady decline. The reality (again, for most of us) is not that simple. But I believe it works, when you commit for the long haul, document your progress, and continue being honest with yourself.

Good luck to you, GC, and keep posting. You are doing great work! -YG

Hi Gaincontrol

Am just responding to your questions on 18aday's weekly progress.

Re paranoia: I am a paranoid person most of the time, especially when I go thru phases of not sleeping well. I would say most alcoholics are somewhat paranoid & overly sensitive! (Sorry if I offend anyone, but I have met many in my 17 years in & out of AA.) Can't say I've noticed being any more paranoid since starting on TSM. I feel more confident overall but am somewhat nervous about how my behaviour is going to be in social situations after getting drunk and throwing up outside a friend's holiday house last weekend! I feel great on the days where I have had around half a bottle of wine as opposed to a whole bottle or more. I feel even better after AF days as I sleep better.

Re side effects - mine disappeared completely by the end of the 2nd week and haven't heard of anyone having them return after days or a week of sobriety.

Good luck!
Sticky

Excellent progress since December 22.

I believe my metabolic make-up and my general personality is highly responsive to NAL (and a method with rules and support). I dropped to taking only 1/2 tablet at least one hour before drinking about 10 days ago and it works just great. I drink very little, and frankly, if I were not on vacation right now where the sunset cocktails on the beach and wine with dinner on the balcony are such longstanding and really fun rituals, I would be drinking less--oh wait, I AM drinking less--a lot less! I don't have the urges, and can stop easily and I do. It's OK to do this on vacation this year. I'm not so sure, I'll feel the same next year, though. I never intended to stop drinking, just drink like normal people!

For sure I will be talking to my doctor about TSM. This is a really great program. Going from drinking one bottle of white wine per evening, plus 2 or so glasses of red, to now drinking 2 glasses, 3 at most TOTAL--no more--the hangover hits early--is absolutely amazing to me. I want my doc to know about it so she can share it with other people and other people can feel the success.

This is too good to keep secret.

The best (worst?) kept secret is TSM. It works and no one knows it. Congratulations! Let's get the word out!

My best,

Nick

GC - Your progess is simply amazing. It is hard to believe that you and I drank about the same when we started TSM and you are now at only 2-3 glasses of wine a night. Good going. Thanks for your post.