Update: W15 results. 3 AF days and I reached a level I would be very comfortable with if I could sustain it: 15 units for the week. I also knocked off a unit from my TSM weekly average. Sorry for the delay in answering the above question regarding how much effort I am putting into having AF days. I would say most of my AF days are planned, not spontaneous, but they are not that difficult thanks to reduced cravings. I was a daily evening drinker so I need to break the psychological habit.



Data so far:

Weeks on TSM: 15
Units on TSM: 430.5
Average units per week: 28.7

Typical weekly units pre-TSM: 60+

Goals going forward: to have at least 3 AF days a week and to keep my weekly units under the upper limit for moderate drinking.

You've been at moderate drinking levels for 5 weeks in a row with 2-3 AF days I'd say you are doing great. Your idea of using AF days to break your daily ritual of drinking is spot on. Isn't it great that we now have a choice in the matter?

Hey Merlot! I just recovered from the throes of ecstasy (mixed with jealousy) that overcame me when I saw your 3 month celebratory graph and I wanted to congratulate you on how well you've done thus far. One of these days I'll figure out how to slap a graph up here. I also appreciate the systematic way you approach the method in terms of defining your personal "cured" parameters (which seem completely reasonable and I may scoop for myself) and also acknowledging the time necessary to let things unfold. Congratulations and Happy New Year!

Update: W16, 17 & 18 results. Due to a variety of circumstances, I consumed very few units in the last few weeks. I did not exactly plan this, but went with the flow. Over the Christmas week I was around a lot of family members, most of whom are light drinkers. I was preoccupied and did not think about alcohol very much. The follow week I was sick and did not feel like drinking, although illness had never stopped me from drinking pre-TSM. For W18, I thought I would consume more, but to the question: `do you feel like drinking?,` I kept getting the answer, `no, not really.` So again, I went with the flow thinking this was a good opportunity for me to address further the habitual aspects of drinking. The whole time I had a supply of alcohol around me -- a few cans a beer left over from W15 which are still unopened. I drank only wine. A single glass at Christmas Eve with dinner. Two glasses at a party the following week. I drank most of a bottle of wine last Thursday over the course of almost 7 hours -- a ridiculously slow pace for me. Amazingly, the next day I had no desire to drink. That is unusual also. Needless to say, I took NAL each time I did drink. Weekly totals were, W16 1U 6AF, W17 2U 6AF and W18 5.5U 6AF. I think I have reached a new stage in the treatment, but would not be surprised if my units rise from such low levels. For example, I would be quite happy consuming 15 units a week, but am not complaining! We will see how things go.




Data so far:

Weeks on TSM: 18
Units on TSM: 439
Average units per week: 23.9

Typical weekly units pre-TSM: 60+

Bravo, absolutely stupendous results. I am very happy for you. What you said about drinking even when sick was always true for me in the past too. I look forward to seeing you on the cured list soon.

Wow! 3 weeks in a row of amazingly low numbers. And it sounded like you didn't even have to try very hard. I'm ecstatic for you and hopeful I will be where you are soon.

Hi Merlot - What amazing progress. It gives me hope.....real hope that I may be able to lick this nasty habit of mine. Thanks for posting.

Half glass

Update: W19: 5U and 5AF days. Thanks for the comments guys and gals. Thoughts of alcohol have faded into the background. I've now had ten weeks in a row with units under the upper threshold for moderate drinking mentioned in Eskapa's book. However, in the last few weeks AF days have become the new comfortable norm. If you have recently started, I hope the below chart encourages you. The method certainly has worked beyond all expectations for me -- thus far.



Data so far:

Weeks on TSM: 19
Units on TSM: 444
Average units per week: 23.4

Typical weekly units pre-TSM: 60+

Merlot, I think if there is such a thing as "cured" you are displaying the characteristics of that state. When your drinking days and units/drinking day are both low you've got this thing beat back into a corner. Congratulations on your wonderful results.

Hey Merlot - Looks to me like you got it beat. Yes, your progress and posting really helps. My drinking pre TSM was about 60 units a week and gathering from your name wine is your game! Mine too. If I can get to where you are at, I will be ecstatic. Thanks for posting.

HG.