Well...Im finally ready to declare victory. Since the beginning of Feb my alcohol intake has fallen off a ledge. I no longer crave it. I no longer spend any time thinking about it. It has been a little weird. I thought once I was cured Id still enjoy a few beers when I wanted. What Ive discovered is that the taste and thought of alcohol is actually repulsive to a point. In the past couple of weeks Ive drank 2 beers or less on any occasion. I really cant and dont want anymore. Even drinking the 2 beers is a chore. So im thinking the end game for me may be abstinence as time goes on.

Id like to say to all those that are feeling some dispair. I started on 6/25. Had the honeymoon period. Had the leveing off period. Had the spike period. But at the 8 month mark it just happended. My magic moment was standing in a liquor store and buying my wife a bottle of wine....and deciding I really didnt want anything for myself. So keep up the faith. I was expecting to be cured after 4 months....took twice as long....good luck to everyone....I will check in from time to time to give updates.

Outstanding. This is a really important post for a lot of people. Hang in there everybody!

FANTASTIC NEWS, thanks for posting.

This is further evidence -- not that any was needed -- that people need to be thinking 6-12 months to the cure, not 3-4.

I'll add you to the list!

So happy for you. I want to express my profound thanks to you for taking the time to post about your success. You have no idea how important your words of encouragement are to others. You are right; you are the perfect example of TSM working exactly as it is supposed to (although I notice the time frame for you was closer to the typical experience of those who post here). I suspect that the vast majority of those who experience success simply go about their way. That certainly is to be expected. Those who are struggling are more likely to stick around and post. That makes me all the more grateful that you would make the effort to share your success here. Please do drop in from time to time with an update.

And as you may know Hawk, I'm a little in the I believe end of despair but am far from cured....I hope it happens as you say. As I need to be on my toes here real soon although I do feel as though I am somewhat in control,...in some situations.....but thank you thank you thank you and congrads.....I want to be coming cured June I hope....BEst to you, Jim Clark

Congratulations and great post!

That big drop that you experienced is similar to what a lot of us experienced, a sudden feeling of ambivalence toward alcohol. I was curious if you experienced a roller-coaster affect after the initial drop before stabilizing at the low level. It sounds as if you did not.

I certainly understand your statement "Even drinking the 2 beers is a chore." My cure has been hit or miss with this effect. My last 2 beers, the alcohol tasted more like vinegar. It was a negative experience, but I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Keep in touch. I know it is hard to post on this forum after the cure, because we have new lives not dominated by alcohol. It's hard to keep coming back because it's not our focus any more. But it is important for those here who are still experiencing extinction even when they are not consciously aware of it so they can continue ultimately to the day they can say they're cured too. Your success with an 8 month cure is very important. You'll make a good adviser for those who are feeling despair because of long waits that go past half a year.

Looking forward to your updates!

Bob

Hawkeye,

Thank you so much for posting. Those of us who struggle will find it easier to carry on.

Very Best,

-wort

Thanks to all for the kind words. I will update from time to time. There are a a lot of really great and caring people on this site. Many people kept me going when I thought things were not going to work. I hope to do the same for others.

Outstanding!

What a wonderfully uplifting and encouraging post. I hope I will be as lucky as you. I am only on Nal about 3 weeks - but I am seeing huge benefits/effects already. Would love to reach your point over the next year. It took me 20 years to get here - so I can wait a year or so. Thanks and the very best of luck to you.