....starting a new thread in the correct place. I don't belong to/contribute to any other message boards, so forgive me for not knowing the etiquette.....

Today will be the last day of my third week on NAL, and I am pretty happy with the results so far. Although not anywhere near "safe" levels of drinking yet, for three weeks in a row I have consumed half of my pre-TSM units and have not had any blackout moments or done anything I regret.

I am certainly not feeling any physical urges to drink right now at all, it's all in my head. There were several times this last week that I instinctively opened a beer or poured myself a drink, realized that I didn't want it but drank it anyway. This week coming up I am going to really pay attention to this behavior and attempt to be in better control.

So far this has been easier than I thought it would be, but still pretty dang hard. I am a creature of routines and habits and for the last 7 or 8 years several of my routines and habits have revolved around drinking. I do feel a little rudderless right now. Trying to find new things/old things that I used to enjoy to occupy my time. I read two novels this week, which is something I haven't done in ages.

Perhaps today will be an AF day? We'll see....

sounds like you're a model TSM student - keep up the good work

just be aware that you may be in a "honeymoon" period & your consumption may rise to, or even above, pre-TSM levels after the first few weeks. don't be discouraged, your consumption should then drop off again

all the best

-badger

Sounds like you're going about it the right way.

Good luck

Your numbers look great so far, especially since you're not experiencing 'physical' urges. Just give the method some time to work it's magic and there is a good chance you will make it down to safe drinking levels.

End of week four, slightly higher than last week, still no AF days. We had a work outing this week that ended with a group of us getting very, very, very drunk (15 of my units this week were from that night). I am making a promise to myself that I won't let that happen again.

So yeah. One month in. I know it's working. I also know that I need to be doing a little more work on my end.

Sounds great Danzig - and yes it is a good idea to try and be more mindful of what you drink although it is really early days for you yet - way to go though - you are doing really well!

Hugs, Maggie

5 Weeks in, and no significant change (yet) in my consumption, although it's down a little bit. I can say that this week consisted of all moderate (for me) drinking, no binging, no getting drunk. Still drinking every day. I'm a creature of habit that needs to find some new habits....

It actually makes me question if I am tracking right. Each day of my drinking consisted of either 3 beers or 2 beers and a whiskey. The beers I usually drink are higher around a 6% ABV, but it still surprises me that this could count as almost 6 american units

I had a conversation with my wife, mentioned that I was a month in and noticed if she had noticed any difference. Her reply was that she "hadn't noticed me", which I took to mean that she hadn't seen me act like a fool/embarrass her/say awful things that I don't mean. I'll call that a small victory.....

Actually it sounds good so far, Danzig! Patience, I know it is hard, but that is what unfortunately it takes for most of us.......xoxo Newlife

Sounds to me like you are going to be just fine. Keep your eyes on October, -that's where I suspect big change lurks. If you only have the energy to work on one thing, -I would work more on new habits/lifestyle changes, rather than micro-managing your consumption. The pill combined with the former usually takes care of the latter. She is a difficult mistress to replace, alcohol, but in the end she must be replaced.

Why are you surprised that your drinking counts as 6 American units ? They do mount up quite quickly ! And you are very early days yet - I know that we all want it to happen Now - but the Nal is not a magic pill - it does take time and commitment - just keep taking the pill and maybe try and be more mindful about your drinking - it will happen - just be patient and have faith!

Hugs, Maggie