Hi all,
I am so grateful to those that started this site. Thank you.
I am posting to send encouragement to those feeling discouraged (including myself), and I ask those who are experiencing progress, even small progress, to please post. This site needs more of that.
I am at about week 28. During that time my intake has averaged 1.2 - 1.6 bottles of white wine a day and I haven't had one alcohol free day. I have been drinking heavily for 13 years. Looking at the numbers my intake hasn't changed much, although in the last three weeks there has been a slight decrease. (I have a non-scientific theory that the longer we have had the habit, the longer it takes NAL to show major decreases). What HAS happened is that my thinking about alcohol has changed significantly. Seven months ago when I drank I drank to get buzzed, and I really got buzzed when I drank. Over the months slowly I have started to feel less interest in being buzzed, and when I drink, I don't get as buzzed. My hangovers have slowly lessened. More often after I take NAL I don't really want to drink. The drinking is beginning to feel like a bad habit, rather than a serious addiction. Increasingly I find myself NOT wanting to do things under the influence, NOT wanting to be around people who are drinking, and find myself enjoying doing things sober. So, despite the fact that my numbers aren't changing dramatically, something is definitely happening, and I don't think it is just that I am happier for some reason. I feel happier because alcohol seems to be moving from front and center in my brain, to the background. I still have a way to go, and often feel discouraged and impatient, but today I am choosing to believe that focusing on the number of units we drink may not be the best way to measure progress. Maybe it is better to take a broad look at our thoughts and feelings about alcohol. Have they changed? Not so long ago the thought of being sober made me feel panicy, now sobriety seems...well..attractive! I used to look at people who didn't drink as boring, now I admire their health and vitailty.

Hi Jim, from your description you are on your way to a much healthier relationship with alcohol. Congratulations! Although my timeline was 'textbook' I experienced things almost exactly as you describe them. Patience, persistence, and consistency seem to be key ingredients. Steady onwards, and wishing you continued progress towards your goals.

PV -- You generously popped in at just the right moment. Thanks.

Congratulations, Jim, sounds like it's working for you! I sure hope so and that others continue to chime in with their successes as well. It is good to hear - Happy New Year!

Jim, we seem to be at exactly the same place. I consider my drinking to be more of a bad habit now, as I don't often crave it or get the pleasure out of it I once did. (Unfortunately, the seach for that former pleasure sometimes results in drinking too much -- and still not getting it. I think this may be why some people stop taking nal.) I agree that the measure of TSM's success should not be soley focused upon the number of units, but one's relationship with alcohol as a whole. I have yet to do one AF day, but I am gearing up for it. I look forward to it. Before TSM, the thought of going AL terrified me. Now, I embrace it. You posted at a perfect time. I imagine many of us are looking toward the new year and assessing our progress with TSM; I know I am.

Totally understand the habit thing.. The past holiday week has been tough, less work, more time to sleep, around 'trigger' people = more drinking. I am a little disappointed in myself and have avoided the boards, why, I don't know. Reading these posts made me realize that I am giving into a habit quite a bit and that if I followed the cravings, my drinking would have been reduced. Am still very pleased with the TSM experience and keep saying PATIENCE but I need to get back on track with a regular schedule - starting next week.

Also off topic, but I don't feel that progress, for me anyway, can be measured on a weekly basis. It is too slow, subtle.. Can see the huge progress from when I was in the 3 - 5 month period but it's at a standstill now...similar weekly numbers and 2 AF days a week for quite awhile. Need something to kick start it to the next level. Hopefully starting a new year, new healthy habits, new plans will help.

Best to everyone here...
Virginia