You are definitely on the TSM roller coaster and it is definitely working for you. Just keep taking the pill and eventually you will have re-gained control.

I declared myself cured months ago and stopped coming to the board. I found that it was hard for me to see the suffering and not try to help people and I became consumed with it. So I went away for months. In the process, I found it very easy to think of myself as "cured." I even started drinking without Naltrexone for a time because I missed the euphoria. I started out as a social drinker but progressed to unhealthy numbers. So the term "cured" did not apply to me. I resumed TSM and almost immediately regained control. And during that time I made sure to continue to read this board. It is now my AA in that it makes it impossible to forget where I came from and where I could return if I do not remain diligent about taking the pill.

Hang in there and just follow the golden rule. TSM is working -- and will work for you.

My best,

Minneapolisnick

19th week finished with 13 units and 5 AF days. I was not able to go completely AF as I had hoped, but my units were still pretty low. My units per session dropped to about 6-7 from my average of 8-9 so that is also a good sign. If my current pattern continues, I will have another spike in a few weeks, but the spike will be more moderate than my previous one.

Everyday I'm feeling happier and more confident. I think what helps a lot is to find activities to replace your drinking time. I've been going to the gym regularly and that has been tremendously helpful for my drinking, but also for my health in general. Gotta get in shape before the summer!

YES....replacing your drinking time with other activities is essential.
An alcoholics life minus alcohol is guaranteed to be an empty life. Alcohol played a HUGE role in our lives. It takes time and intentional work in that area to fill the void. The gym is a wonderful place to start. A lot of benefits can come from that!

Happy Friday Tambo.

Good going Tambo - I really helps to see your numbers going down. Thanks for your post.

Okay, I'm not officially done with my 20th week, but I know I'm not drinking tonight, so I'm gonna update. Week 20 ended with 9 units and 6 AF days. 9 units! My first time on TSM in the single digits!!!! I am so freakin' happy! On top of that, it has been very easy. I did really overdo it on one day, but the others I didn't even think about drinking.

So to illustrate, on Valentine's day I was really feeling depressed about being alone and really missing my ex-girlfriend. On top of that, Valentine's day is our anniversary. I hadn't spoken to her in 3 months but I broke down and called her. She did not answer and she did not call me back even though I left a message. I felt sad, rejected and angry all at the same time. Even while going through this emotional turmoil, I did not once think about alcohol. The thought never crossed my mind! In the past, this would have been a huge excuse to get wasted. I didn't realize this until I was already in bed falling asleep. I still didn't want to drink, but I finally remembered that I used to drink over situations like this. My brain is definitely rewiring itself for the better.

My 4 week total is also looking good. 71 units. Compare that to my first 4 weeks on TSM. It's less than half! I'm looking forward to progressing even further in my next four weeks. I have two major goals for this time period. One is to drink less than 71 units. Two is to try to keep my units per session under 7 units. I think to help me accomplish this, I'll switch from hard liquor to beer. I really hate beer because it takes forever to get drunk and is difficult for me to get that much liquid in my stomach, but I think at this point in the game, I'm ready for the switch. Wish me luck.

9 units is great for a week but not running to the bottle when stressed is even better progress. Good stuff Tambo.

Well done Tambo. The switch certainly seems to be happening to you. I am about 7 weeks behind you and I hope I have the same luck. Must have felt amazing when you realised you didn't even think about alcohol after the dissapointment of Valentine's day. Keep going, hope to emulate you in the future.

You are definitely falling out of love with alcohol! Congrats!!

I knew things were different for me when I had to deal with severe emotions like sadness and not even think about retreating to booze. And I made the switch from booze to beer and wine only a long time ago and it was critical in reducing my consumption. I don't like beer either and drink for effect, whereas I used to pound a half liter of vodka no sweat. So I would encourage you to stick with beer if possible.

Good luck, you are well on your way to beating this thing.

My best,

Nick

Week 21 has gone by so fast for me. 7 units and 6 AF days. The AF days are effortless. 7 units in one day is still too much, but I'm confident I'll be able to get that number down with time. I don't have much more to report except that everyday I wake up and I am so grateful.

All those AF days are great! I have really grown to appreciate how good I feel on my AF days vs drinking (or the day after an af day vs drinking). Like you, I am working on getting those units down on the drinking days. Keep on going friend.