I see what you mean. I guess I was thinking the temptation to drink the whole 24 oz might be strong versus not opening the 4th beer of a six-pack. You are doing really great. Just be ready for a possible spike in numbers in case it happens. Trying to rid yourself of alcoholism while leading a normal family/work life is like trying to rotate the tires on your car while going 60 miles an hour.

Well, week one is in the books. Finished with 3.25 last night. Poured beer out again. I think I have poured more out in this past week than I did in the last decade, I was never one to waste it. Baffling, but, ABSALUTELY AMAZING!!! Total for the week is 28!! That is lowest amount of AL I have had in a 1 week period in a long, LONG time (except a couple weeks here and there I when I abstained). I am not expecting it, but hopeful for a smoothish ride from here on out.

Thanks for all the support and comments, they are greatly appreciated!

Awesome squirrel. I'm equally please/baffled about how easy it's been, and I'll be sorry to see it go if things follow form...but what a great preview. Even though I started same day as you, I'm going to make my official weekly start a Monday...um mostly cause that's how I set up my spreadsheet. But my first week from that actual start day has been a ridiculous low 20's drinks, with 2 days AF and no nail biting, down from ~50/week. Same as you, first time I have dumped beer in a long time!

Congrats both of you! The honeymoon bodes well.
EL

This weekend was pretty similar to last, working in the yard and around the house with a few beers. Had another AF Monday! This time I wasn't out and about, but, was home with the two little ones. Had a couple mild cravings, more so than last Monday, but it was fairly easy to let them slide by. The thought of taking a nal and having to wait an hour just for a beer or two was enough deterrent to shut down the thoughts.

Hope everyone has a great week!

Well done Squirrel! Your numbers look great.

Today is the last day of week two. I have stayed at 25mg for the first 2 weeks as YogaGirl was instructed and will increase to 50mg starting tomorrow. The side effects are nearly non-existent the past few days and I have noticed it is getting easier to drink again. I am hoping that the bump in dose will re-engage the honeymoon effect.

I am contemplating going AF tonight. I have become more focused on my numbers as my cravings and ease of drinking have increased. I really want to try and control/minimize any potential spike to pre-TSM levels. I want to stick to the theory that it is the number of sessions, NOT UNITS, that will lead to the 'cure'/regaining control.

On with the journey!

Hey Squirrel - good to see you've been having some early success too. Yes, I've been hoping to have a lot of minimum drinking days that I had a problem with before that help along to the goal of minimal effort moderation. So far, so good.

I did get up the the full 50mg after a little less than a week, and the SE are almost nil for me now, so good luck to you. The increase dose didn't really kick in the honeymoon effect again for me though, so don't be disappointed if that doesn't happen. It's doing it's job though from what I can tell. I keep telling myself that even if I keep having those bad days now and then for several months, every day that passes is closer to the prize of not having to deal with that anymore. How many times I told myself I was changing something with my drinking and it didn't make any difference at all...well that was years, not months!

Hi Squirrel

You are making great progress so far. I hope your wife continues to be supportive and gains more understanding of TSM. My hubby read some of the book. He thought it was amazing and related to some of it because he has struggled to give up smoking.
I can relate to being locked out of my own home - had to stay with a friend for 6 weeks a couple of years ago. It was awful. I've spent too many nights sleeping in my car too - so I could keep on drinking.

Good luck
Sticky

Hey Squirrel,

Awesome work - especially when you said, "Had a couple mild cravings.. but it was fairly easy to let them slide by."

I'm really proud to see how strong you have become in such a short period of time - well done!

Andy.