I held to the golden rule for three years and then quit taking my meds for about two years. Bad choice!!!! I am back again where I started. Last night was really bad. Two bottles of wine and don't really remember going to bed. The bad thing is my family didn't even notice. Time to start TSM all over again.
GA

Did it feel different when you drank after you stopped taking Naltrexone?

Georgiamom, I remember you!! At least take some solace in the fact that your family didn't notice. One night my 16 year old said, "You don't even drink," when I was about on my 100th night of being drunk in a row!

Anyway, if you did TSM for three years, what good came out of it? What is your ultimate goal?

Good Morning: Thanks for your replies. When I was taking my meds for the three years it really helped. I didn't wake up every morning in fear that I would drink that night. I think TSM works different ways for each individual. Some respond quickly where others find it is a life long decision to always take their meds. Going off my meds was a stupid decision for me. The first year was fine. Then slowly the alcohol monster began to creep up on me. The drinking increased until I was back to my old ways. Not many AF days and drinking the whole bottle of wine just because it was there. I have noticed that since I am back on my meds I do have some side effects that I didn't have before. It makes me a little sick to my stomach and I am rather grumpy. However, I did have two AF days in a row this week. I don't crave the alcohol. For me, it is more of a habit. My goal is to break the cycle to where I can take it or leave it. My hope is that with the meds and a big dose of prayer I will reach this goal. Thanks for your support!!!!!
GA

Keeping my fingers crossed, but I seem to be reacting to the meds quicker this time. AF days are very easy. Even did two AF days in a row last week. Also went out to dinner and didn't even want to order a glass of wine. The days I do drink I still consume too much, but I have to give the meds time to work. Remember, we didn't start drinking too much over night. This process takes time.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.
GA

If you're able to string two AF days together, remember "Selective Extinction" and use the resulting upregulation of your receptors to reinforce healthy endorphin-releasing activities like vigorous exercise. That'll help speed things along if you can find that "sweet spot", which is about 48 hours after your last dose. This can vary person by person, so test it out to see what interval works best for you.

Nal on, Georgiamom!