Virgil

Just to let you know that we're all rooting for you. You obviously have lots of issues to deal with other than your drinking, and that makes it harder for you. But I'm confident you can get there.

I really feel I'm making progress now on TSM, but it was nearly 25 weeks into the program before I felt that. The big breakthrough for me was taking a more active role (once I felt able to do that), where I'm now conciously taking 2 days AF every week - something I could never have done without major effort until now. I'm not finding it that hard at all and I'm hoping to add a third day into the mix shortly. I have a few other 'small battles' that I'm fighting too, and each one of those that I win brings me closer to winning this war

If I've learnt anything, that is it - make small goals along the way, and the encouragement you get from reaching those is a HUGE help on the journey to the main goal.

Hi 1-4,

Thanks for your words of encouragement.

I certainly do have lots of issues to deal with and sometimes I feel I'm drowning. That happened last night. I liken it to a system crash on a computer. Every now and then, I suffer a system crash. They used to happen at least once a month but now it's more like once every four months - so things have got better. The sequence of events is:

Experience high anxiety
Drink too much
System crash

I've managed to reduce the occurrence of these system crashes by limiting my alcohol intake when a crash is imminent. Last night, I failed to do that. If I switch to baclofen, I'm hoping that it helps reduce my anxiety. I don't want any more system crashes - they are too painful.

V.

Praying for you Virgil


corkit

I'm so sick of craving.....I would give my life sometimes to be relieved as the book tells us.....We help each other....god bless, best jim

Hi Folks,

I had my appointment yesterday with the alcohol addiction specialist. It went very well indeed and I now have my first prescription for baclofen. As soon as I get my hands on the medication itself, I will terminate TSM and switch to baclofen. I will have been on TSM for 38 weeks, which means that I'll be stopping TSM just two weeks earlier than originally planned. This means that I have the dubious honour of being the first to officially declare that TSM did not work for me.

Isn't it extraordinary how naltrexone has greatly benefited some of this community's members but has done nothing for me? Of course, it's no different from other medications in that respect. I was twice put on the 'medication of choice' for OCD and, on both occasions (separated by approximately 10 years), it made me very ill. And it didn't help with the OCD. One day, someone will find out for sure why some medications work for some people but not others.

Needless to say, I am hoping that baclofen will greatly reduce my anxiety as well as addressing my alcohol intake. I've got my fingers (and toes) crossed.

My best wishes to you all on your TSM journey. I truly hope that it takes you to your intended destination.

V.

I don't know if there might be a "selfish gene" or something at work in the process of rooting for others, but I swear it amazes me just how much I care about so many people on this board and dream and pray and visualize for the success of virtual strangers. I am certain that others feel similarly. Perhaps the "selfish" part comes if we project our own chances for success onto others' experiences. I don't know really.

But even it's fear for own situations that helps us root for others, my feelings are sincere: I will always root for you to find relief. Even amongst strangers, there are people who appeal to us for known and unknown reasons. You are just someone I think I would like and whose company I might enjoy in real life; your steady and articulate participation here has certainly enriched my life.

All the best to you, sir.

Ah PV,

As I write these words, I have a tear in my eyes. Your comments above have moved me greatly and I thank you most sincerely for such kind words. I don't know that we will ever meet face-to-face but I would welcome the opportunity to keep in touch with you. If you want to PM me, I can let you have a personal e-mail address and my Skype username (if you're a Skype user).

All the best to you, too!

V.

Hi WTE,

Thanks for your feedback, which, as always, is greatly appreciated.

Yes, I will be stopping the naltrexone altogether.

I fully understand why you would want to wait until the New Year before making any changes.

It is my intention to continue participating in this community for the foreseeable future. As I said elsewhere, I am very keen to watch the progress of others - both 'old-timers' and newbies alike.

Once again, thank you!

All the very best.

V.

Virgil, I am so happy that you have decided to keep on posting. Your input here weather you are doing tsm or something else does not matter to me. You have become a friend and a source of hope. You have had so many battles and have stayed very postive dispite the lack of success in this process. I commend you on your bravery and positive outlook.
As you know I too have anxiety and will be most interested in seeing how this drug works for you having tried many meds in the past that also made me ill!

Hi LaBear,

Once again, I thank you for your kind words. You have been a great source of support for me and I shall always be grateful for that.

I now have the baclofen and the plan is to take my first dose later today.

My best wishes to you.

V.