Starting a new thread to journal on. I was going to call it "last ditch effort" but decided on a positive affirmation instead. I have haphazardly tried TSM in the past and the results have been as expected: you get what you put into it. The last time I tried it, I had some decent results when I got over the initial side effects and kept up with the Nal. However, I got lazy, let the guard down, wanted the Buzz, self medicated anxiety, you name it, I have an excuse for any and all of it. So, I'm now going to call on the most important reason for sticking with TSM: I FEEL BETTER ABOUT MYSELF when I'm not drinking and even better when I don't want to drink......signing back on, Keek

You'll feel even better about yourself, the longer you stick with the program. It's true !!!

Welcome back

Feeling scared, lonely, ambivalent, nervous, deflated, sad, etc. I think I have a better handle on what to expect and will try an not become over confident. I need to call on all of my past experiences to get me through this, so that I don't become over confident and fall back into denial over my drinking and how much harm it does to me both mentally and physically. I do wish there were some Face to face TSM meetings because I could use a friendly face or two. I'm a very lonely person in this struggle against my addiction and the hubby just doesn't get it. Right now I just want to numb whatever pain I am feeling.....
Gotta persevere.......iI will check in later. Hugs, keek

Thanks Guapo, I needed that. Oh, the beauty of not wanting a drink or not wanting more! I just have to resign myself to the fact that I can't follow the buzz. I can't seem to get it through my thick scull that the temporary buzz is just not worth it. Insert picture of me banging my head against the wall. Perhaps I should dive in the cold swimming pool when I'm jones ing. That might bring me to my senses:). I've missed all of you and am grateful to those of you who continue to post.

Welcome back Keek! Got your horse saddled up and everything ready for you. Dust yourself off and get back on. It's always a pleasure to have your company here. You can do it. Peace

Editing out some of my repetitive posts after reading. Anyhow, ditto to what I said before. Took some Nal a little bit ago and am hopping back on the horse. I had to "just" take it for fear of talking myself out of it later. I will try and post "progress" here. Hugs,keek

Really strange feeling with the Nal: first felt calming, then shakes, now very dehydrated which I've felt before and know will pass. The most recent feeling is having no concept of time. I thought it was late afternoon and its only 10:30. Hmmmm.

A shout out to Plantpro, Guapo, Cheeto, Snapdragon, Movergal, Magda, Clarion, Melissa1928, Epentheis, Nigelr, Justmehere, BarryB. ........

Thank you for your past comments and my apologies to those of you who have heard my story more than once. I'm trying to make this journaling thing a little more personal and would like to get to know you all a bit better. So if you will indulge me with a synopsis of where you started and where you are now, I would be oh so appreciative. I do plan on reading through a number of the threads, but would like a cheat sheet per say. Doing my thing, Keek

Keek! You're back! Anything for you, babe.

I was drinking like 50 units a week, I think. 9 on a good night, 14 on a bad one . . . not every day, though. I had AF days and drunken days, as I struggled to abstain.

I was a fast responder and called cured in five weeks, after pretty dramatic improvements. I no longer drink at all. I'm not officially a teetotaler, but the last time I even considered alcohol was at a party. I don't go to many parties, and alcohol is no longer part of my life at home, so it just doesn't come up. I do smoke pot, but drink alcohol only on special occasions.

Anything else that would help?

Started 7/2013, > 200 units/month. Infrequent AF days. Liked The TSM approach, worked okay, but after about seven months, added minfulness , simple hypnosis, and moderation strategies et al. Read good books like Jason Vale , Stanton Peele, and Paul Carr.

Finally seeing alcohol for what it is, developed an indifference and aversion.

Now rarely drink , never more than 1 or 2, and only for dinner or social occasions. Even getting away from that. Not ideal, as I miss the "buzz", but know I cannot and should not ever drink as I did. So, overall a win.

There is a solution for all of us, keep at it until you find it

G

Hi Keek - great idea - I thought it would be nice to know a little more personal info about people too (not too much of course! )

I'm 48 (female) married to a lovely man who doesn't drink much, never has and totally doesn't understand addiction - his favourite phrase in recent years is 'for goodness sake, why don't you just stop!!' I have three children (all in 20s and doing well - all hate how much I drink). I live in the UK.

Started drinking out of control about 15 years ago when my first marriage broke up and it's been spiraling ever since. I work in media and attend a lot of events where it's the done thing to drink until you're practically unconscious which doesn't help. I've tried Campral (didn't help much) Antabuse (managed 3 months AF - but craved like fury the whole time and worried myself sick as colleagues who didn't understand my situation were always trying to get me to drink. Once I asked for a lime and soda whilst on Antabuse and I was given a shot of vodka - luckily I could tell almost immediately as I started to flush).

I heard about this miracle pill in the UK media a month or so ago and started researching about it and came across TSM. Decided that I had to try it and ordered Selincro online. Started it a week today and have already noticed dramatic effects (I'm praying this is for real and not just a honeymoon period!) Have just had 16 drinks this week and one day AF (my usual figure is around 58 drinks a week and AF days have been very rare indeed!)

I'm so glad this site is getting a bit more active, it's great to have people to chat to and ask questions. Snap x