Hi.
I have been on Nal for about 8 weeks now and I am still waiting for the magic to happen. I'm somewhat discouraged but I'm trying to keep the faith. I feel like right now it is blind faith. I guess I just need to have some encouragement from those who felt like I do now and have persevered. What is the average time frame that people notice that they have control over alcohol? I have been able to cut down some but not what I want to. I really was hoping to get the honeymoon period forever. Is that what it is like when you are "in control"? How awesome that would be!!! It looks like most people gain control around the 21 week mark on an average. Is this what I should expect?
Thanks for any input and personal experiences that can help keep me focused.

Dancer,

I recently posted something similar to your message. It is kind of hard to have a leap of faith that it will work and to remain patient week after week.

I'm just a little behind you on my 7th week on TSM.

I hear you're frustrated but I see that you're consuming about half of your pre-TSM units. I'm also below my pre-TSM units. I think that's great!

My latest thinking is that if I'm doing better than before or in better control, it's all good.

I can't answer your question about how long to expect it to take but I wanted to give you encouragement.

Dear Dream,
Thank you so much for your reply. I am drinking less, which is good. I still need to keep pushing on and hope for the best. I need this to work for me. In some ways it has helped me feel better about myself already just for the fact that I am at least trying to do something about my consumption. Best of luck to you on your journey!

Dancer, I think it varies for a lot of people. But the book's estimation of 3-4 months seems to be quite short of a period of time to regain control - it seems like most people on this board actually stick with TSM for much longer, even over a year, before being "cured". The honeymoon period is great but is just that - a honeymoon. I imagine that being cured will feel somewhat like it, except that it will feel normal. But many steps in between!
EL

The answer to the question "how long does TSM take" varies from individual to individual. It depends upon, in part, how long you've been drinking and how much you've been drinking. Based upon the overwhelming majority here, it typically takes far longer than the 3-4 months outlined in the book. I was there at about week 36. If your numbers are half, it will work for you but remember the amended formula: "Naltrexone+drinking+doubt+patience=cure."

As well as units decreasing have you seen a reduction in anything else?

Can you answer 'Yes' to any of the following?

Fewer blackouts?
Less severe hangovers?
Less drunken arguments?
Reduction in pathetic/ embarrassing behaviour?
More patience / less irritable?
More energy?

I'm sure you can add to the list, but if you answered yes to any of the above, then it's evidence that you are on your way to regaining control

It may seem like a lifetime, but what's another few weeks if you can fix your alcohol habit for the rest of your life?

Stick in there - we all want you to succeed x

Andy.

Thanks for all the encouragement. I feel better just knowing that I'm at least doing "something" about my drinking. This site is a lifesaver for me. I just needed to hear that I need to be patient. I will keep you posted.

How has this weekend been for you? Feeling more positive?

Big hug from the UK x