Well almost 3 weeks since I've reported, and I'm now just over 6 months into TSM (this is week 27). I'm delighted to say that I continue to make respectable progress, and I'm feeling good right now.
For each of the last 6 weeks I've had at least 2 AF days, and this week I managed 2 AF days in a row, and could relatively easily have done another last night I reckon. However, I decided instead to have a few drinks and to try for an AF day today instead. My units are down to about 50% of pre-TSM, and the cravings are down very significantly too.

On the (slightly) negative side, I do notice that the day after an AF day I tend to drink a little bit more than average, but even there the trend is downward

Last week was my joint second lowest consumption since I began, and this week almost certainly will be the lowest - even if I drink more than average tonight and tomorrow (my drinking week being Fri-Thur incl). I'm going to shoot for 3 AF days per week now for the next few weeks, which may be a challenge over the Christmas period, but what the hey!

For the trendline followers, my exponential trends suggest that I'm already cured (daily trend!), have over a year to go (weekly trend) or have somewhere between 6 and 8 months (weekly linear and daily linear respectively). If I had to guess I'd say somewhere in the 2-3 month region, but I'm not going to get hung up on it. I'm definitely making progress.

For anyone reading, the 'breakthrough moment' for me was deciding to 'augment' traditional TSM by 'forcing' a particular AF day per week with deliberately substituted activities, and actively trying to replace drinks on occasion with non-alcholic (or even lower alcohol content) drinks.

PS, What is the difference between Tiger Woods and Santa Claus? Ans - Santa stops after three hos!

Wonderful news of steady progress, 1-4-the-road. Woot!

I agree with you about the effectiveness of setting some specific goals and taking action to achieve them. For me, willpower is not the same thing as conscious intent. I would not have started down this path if I did not have the conscious intent to substantially reduce drinking, and it only makes sense to me to continue to apply that conscious intent to the process.

That's awesome 1-4! When are you gonna let me graph it?...Jerk!!

Congrats 1-4, nice progress!

Absolutely fantastic! Thanks for sharing and we love it as the good news rolls in.

managed that AF day yesterday, currently on 39 units for the week, plus whatever I have tonight, so a new record low coming up

Well, after my record low consumption last time I posted, I headed into the holiday period. I guess I had mentally allowed myself to go off reservation a little - just drink when I felt like it, and with lots of friends and family around for the period, and plenty of time off work, it was always going to see an increase. Christmas week (up to and including Christmas eve) I only managed 1 AF day, and my consumption nearly doubled, up to 86 units
The next week was likely to be even heavier, as Christmas day and the day after, as well as New Years Day are big family occasions in my family. I tried to plan in some extra AF days, but only managed 2. New Years Eve, which is not a particular favourite of mine turned out to be a very good night - got invited to a dinner party which made a good night, including being snowed in! Unfortunately I got a little too enthusiastic with the celebrations - I think I must have had about 30 (UK) units over the whole evening - falling into bed at 4:30am. Total units went up to 90 for the week

The good news is that I've just completed the next week, during which I managed 3 AF days and a record low of 41 units - this despite being housebound for most of the time - a combination of holidays, being snowed in, and having a cold.

I've just ordered a new batch of Naltrexone from All-Day Chemist - remembering to allow plenty of lead-time this time, as it only barely arrived in time for me with the last order.

Cravings are definitely still there, but I'm finding it easier to cope with them and take AF days. I'm going to try and maintain the current situation now for another few weeks (i.e. trying for 3 AF days per week), and then step it up to 4 days per week. I'm also trying to make an effort to skip that 'last one' before bedtime. Being back at work now should help with the routine I hope.

1 for......reading and thinking of you, happy new year.ART

The holidays are difficult period. But your success otherwise sounds great. Go easy on yourself & hope all continues to go well in this new year!

GO HORNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

another two weeks gone. Consumption went up a little last week - no particular reason, but still my 3rd lowest since I started, so more a small fluctuation in a downward trend I'd suggest. Only 2 AF days last week, but I managed three this week, including tonight. Also a drop again this week (2nd best week on TSM). Definitely feeling better - sleeping better, more energy, getting fitter etc with the lower consumption. Cravings still there when I don't drink, but nothing I can't handle - just find something to distract me for a while and I can manage it no problem. On we go!