I was concerned coming back to TSM after quitting twice before. My concerns don't seem to be valid however, as I am having more AF than drinking days. The problem is that when I do drink I drink at pre TSM levels. Friday, AF. Saturday 12 beers over several hours. Today is Sunday, the beginning of a new week. I'm going to get in as many AF days as I can, and try for a solid week. It's funny, I don't really get cravings however when I do drink it's like an auto pilot thing because that's what I've always done. I definitely need to put forth more effort, and find positive things to do as opposed to drinking all day.

Retread,

It is nice to have you back!

I had to put a limit on my intake, for I could still drink until the cows come home. I think the autopilot is a good theory, for it is not as though "I have to have a drink" I am just doing what I have done in the past (empty glass syndrome if my biggest fear). If it wasn't for the nal-overs I don't think I would have limit. I am unsure if that is how TSM is to be done, but so far it is working for me.

It does sound like you are making awesome progress, and with time I am sure that autopilot will get turned off.

Jaba

good to hear from you, retread. I was amazed at how much of a habit my drinking was, and learned that cravings weren't the factor I thought they were. keep it up!

I agree with Zontar - my 'cravings' were not true cravings I do not think - well, they were initially, but after time on Nal, they were more habit - I think if you really want to, you should work on mindfulness (that always makes me laugh telling folk that as it NEVER worked for me after that first Guinness!). Or pace yourself better .....I am amazed that you do not get Nal-Overs like Jaba!

HUGS, Maggie x

Hi Retread - I've been experiencing the exact same thing. I seem to be able to have AF days easily enough, but if I open a bottle of white wine I just can't seem to stop. I think everyone is right though, it seems to be purely habit. I've never been a drinker of anything other than white wine, so the last few times I have had a drink I chose red wine instead. I can't face more than two glasses. Last night I actually tipped the second glass down the drain. I'm going to try giving up white wine for a while - just stick to red or beer and see whether I can get over this stupid binge habit.

Glad to hear that you're doing so well having lots of AF days.

That really sounds like a good idea Snap - good for you! Let us know how it works - it will be interesting to hear - especially in light of your pouring out that second glass!

Hugs, Maggie

Can somebody please describe what is meant by "nal over"? Does this mean a hangover exacerbated by Naltrexone? I don't think I have experienced this. Either that or my hangovers are about the same as they were before I started TSM.

OMG Deuce you will know one when you have one as they are kind of worse than your normal hangover!

I am in the same boat here Retread as you and others as I am getting more AF days under my belt now but when I drink I have to drink that whole bottle of wine and lately up to another half a bottle, ughhh! Anyway happy that I am having AF days even if they are not totally easy right now but manageable!

Nal On!

Can you have one glass then remove yourself from the environment, Cheeto? This sounds a bit like Alcohol Deprivation Effect.

Hey Everybody, 3 AF days this week, but I really got wasted on the days I drank. Maybe the most troubling thing is that I went on a biz trip and didn't take my NAL thinking that I could do an AF week. Like a lot of alcohol abusers airports are a real trigger for me. I got upgraded to first, where the drinks are free. I got totally blasted with no NAL in my system. This has happened twice in the last month, and now my NAL goes with me all the time. Do you think screwing up twice does permanent harm to extinction? Appreciate any thoughts.
Best, Retread