Congratulations G4M - awesome progress!

Well, just finished week 9 - it was an odd one. For one thing, I'm battling some kind of virus or something, and feel like crap. Not exactly sick. . .but certainly not feeling good, either. Cough, headache, no energy - generally depressed. By mid-afternoon, the only thing that helps me feel better, or at least forget how crappy I feel, is a glass or two of wine.

On all but two days this week I actually drank less than usual. Until yesterday, my total units per week were only at 50. I was hoping to cut way back yesterday so my weekly count would be less. . .but by mid-afternoon I really felt awful, and started to drink. Got into quite a funk, actually. My sister and her boyfriend came over for supper, and I was really belting the wine. Ended up drinking 11 units - more than at any other time since starting TSM. Felt very disappointed in myself.

The funny thing is, even though I definitely got a buzz, the experience of drinking that heavily is drastically different from what it was in the past. I remain totally in control, have sensible, sane conversations, and recall everything very well.

Well, gonna go make some healthy juice out of some fruits/vegies on hand. . .add some protein powder to it. . .take my vitamins. . .see if that helps. Wish I felt good enough to go for a walk!

I got another AF day yesterday! It felt absolutely terrific, and I don't think I experienced one bit of craving. Slept like a baby (tho I did take a melatonin to help). Only woke a few times, briefly. The only side effect was night sweats, and I figure that's OK if it helps detoxify my body. I'm clear headed and in a great mood today, and even my cold/viral symptoms have eased.

This feels especially good, as my only other AF day was during the 'honeymoon' period. This feels more like the real deal.

Congratulation. I am happy to see you are on the right way. All the best of luck to you.

Megawega awesome !

Hey G4M - Congrats on another AF day! What a great way to start a new week!

Sounds like maybe you're starting to feel well too. Hope this week just keeps getting better for you!

Phenomenal (I'm going to have to keep finding new words for you now that you keep doing better and better). How about 'that's Jakey'? (I just peeked at the the 'al da single ladies thread'. I was smiling the whole time..you all have so much fun : ).

Congrats on the new signs of success - really is encouraging!

Hey G4M,

Good idea to start summarizing by month now that you're getting farther into the weeks. I think we're on the exact same timeframe - did you start on February 19th? Just by chance, my signature still allowed enough room to show the weekly details, but it's full now. Next week, I'll start showing monthly averages as you are. Hard to believe we're becoming "old-timers" already, isn't it?

I discovered signatures are limited to a certain number of characters, so decided to start summarizing. Looking at it month by month, I can see progress more easily - and hope others can as well. And YES, I did start on Feb. 19th. How coincidental. . .we have similar drinking patterns, are both proficient writers, and natural cheer-leaders. Fun.

I just had an 'aha!' moment. While this MB is great for offering information, support, and encouragement. . .we all really are overthinking our overdrinking (grin). Those who have practiced TSM the longest all have a certain 'pattern' that emerges, usually somewhere in the third month, whereby their cravings and the amounts they drink are suddenly, and dramatically, reduced - great improvement often takes place in a single week. After that there is more steady progress in the decline of drinking levels. This is a reminder to me that the process isn't one of 'figuring things out,' or mixing 'willpower' with Naltrexone. It's just a matter of allowing a biological process time to be completed! Thank God the only thing really up to me is the decision to take the Naltrexone one hour before drinking!

RR PM'd me one time, wondering if we should include the information on the "What to Expect" thread regarding the fact that most people hit a 'hump' period, where they're really struggling for quite some time, not experiencing much success. . .and then all of a sudden it becomes a downhill journey. I didn't really understand him at the time, but have now seen a few people post about those kinds of experiences.

I think, if I do have that experience, I'll include it on the "What to Expect" thread. Anyone who's been there, done that want to share? (I recall someone was traveling during their 13th week last week, and reported an unexpected drop in drinking/craving. Can't recall who. . .???)

G4M,

I think that is a great idea, as I am one of those people. I had an bad week and a bad yesterday, not so much with drinking, but side effect personal issue and the such. I almost gave up, but then I thought to what? I've done the other stuff that didn't work, if I'm going to drink I might as well take NAL what the heck.

I am encouraged by the people who are further along, it just seems there aren't too many.