I have planned on starting this again for a couple of months now, but I somehow manage to "forget" the NAL. I'm not sure if I convince myself that I want the endorphins that the alcohol initially gives me or I am afraid of the horrid hangovers. Deep down I know that this needs to be my priority because I do not want to go the AA route and other than the alcohol obsession, I have a damn good life. I have told my college age son's and husband that I am doing this and they seem to be supportive. I had to explain that my "I've had enough switch" doesn't work anymore. Normal drinkers really don't get it, so I'm hoping for support and encouragement from this forum. I am reading post's and the book today so as to arm myself with reasons for sticking with TSM. I didn't do it in the fall because I was training for a marathon and needed the Vicodin to work for the last 10 miles. Also, I managed to cut down on the drinking during training, but that is no longer the case. I mistakenly thought it would carry over once I ran the marathon, but I was the one who drank the most at the celebratory brunch! Go figure! So, I haven't taken any pain meds for a couple of weeks now and am totally prepared to commit to this journey. I so want to be on the "regained control list" and am giving myself a year to get there. That is quite a commitment for someone who wants everything now! Wish me luck and perseverance........... keek

Pre TSM - Average 30 units, 4 nights a week (I think).

Wecome keke!

A full year commitment is wise. TSM takes a long time to work and there will be many weeks that you will have doubts.

Post often and read through the threads, the information on these boards is invaluable.

Best wishes on you journey

K

Edit

Day 3 AF. Last night I had to take a sleeping pill after staring at the ceiling for a couple of hours, but I managed to wake up feeling pretty good. Tonight I decide to lay low and make dinner. I was going to get something to drink, but decided I could go another day. Am a bit anxious and sweaty yet still not really craving a drink. The plan is to have Nal & drink 2-3 tomorrow night. Not shabby for a start! I ran out of time for reading today, so will catch up tomorrow. The word for today is balance. Thanks all, Keek

Hi! Hope all is well with you. I forced some AF days early on and had a hug uptick in usage when I drank. I noticed in your description of training for the marathon that your usage spiked when you were free to drink. This isn't much different than Dr. Sinclair's rats. I have noticed my usage tends to spike after abstinence.

Anyway, best of luck to you!

Welcome to the forum KeKe!

I am curious to know a bit more about you. Like how long you've been drinking and your current unit intake and your favorite poison and what led you here to TSM.

Giving this treatment an entire calendar year is a wise move. I am 42 and was drinking alcoholically for 10+ years and it has taken me 11 solid months. Katie's right too regarding the many doubts and discouragements that may creep in along the way. The road is certainly long. But the end result is worth it!

Just follow the golden rule-- Nal+Al+Patience+Willpower=Regaining Control

Don't worry, the willpower part will be needed much, much later. Or like Heavy Fuel you can try to excercise willpower early on. I didn't have that chance as I was completely immersed in an insatiable craving for alcohol. With each sip, chug and shot, I kid you not, I became closer to the finish line.

So buckle up. Be patient. Read the threads of those who have earned their way onto the Cured List.

And again welcome,

Ketchikan1

Just checking computer before I write again.

Thanks Katie, Ketch & H for the input. It hasn't been a week, but I'll post here. I am a 52 year old, married empty nester with kids in college. I have been drinking heavily for 30 years and was drinking 3/4 of a bottle of wine per night, until lately where I try to limit it to 3-4 days a week. My drug of choice went from Red, to White, to Champagne, to what is available. Currently, I "enjoy" vodka tonics, and Champagne because I find the hangovers more tolerable. I tried AA a couple of times and have concluded that it is not the route I wish to take. I don't want to quit drinking and still be obsessed with alcohol. I want to not want to drink or I would like to enjoy a cocktail or two and then stop. I have gone 3 days AF until last night where I drank 4 splits of champagne & one GM topper. I went into BevMo to purchase a half bottle and they didn't carry them, so I bought a 4 pack thinking I'd stop at 2 or 3, but you know the story. Anyhow, here I sit hungover, yet still optimistic about this journey.

Sorry about the multiple posts, but earlier I got knocked off the site before posting, and I don't want to have to start all over again. I'm hoping to determine whether I can de-addict myself by doing 2 to 3 AF days & then taking the Nal when I do drink. This works for me, since my husband isn't much of a drinker and I can keep the alcohol out of the house until I'm ready (craving) to have a drink. Yesterday, I probably could have gone another day AF, but I decided that it would my first Nal drinking day. I should have taken 25mgs, but I was afraid of the side effects, so I took 12.5 mgs. I plan on drinking Saturday at a party, so I will take 25mgs beforehand.

I had a lengthy discussion with my hubby and I have agreed to keep him in the loop regarding this "treatment" as long as he agrees to not try to control me and my drinking. I am happy to have his support. The real support is coming from those of you who have been suffering alongside me. It is very encouraging to read the posts of those who have regained control of their drinking. I have got to make this journey a priority. This time I am not expecting a quick cure and think that I have the motivation to give a year. You are my rehab. Thank you for sharing. Keek

Pre TSM 30 - 35 units a week

Week 1 (so far) 5u/day, 3AF

I have a TSM split personality: Computer automatically logs me in as Keke & then Kekede. What gives?