About 8 weeks in...initially had decrease in consumption and bad behavior for about a week or 10 days. I am now drinking more than before. Before TSM, average 60-80 units per week. Now, drinking everyday because NAL allows me to drink without blacking out, getting angry unnecessarily (as I normally do when drinking), and allows me to drink and still be compassionate and mindful at the end of a day of drinking. I drink light beer, and am now consuming around 20-24 plus brews per day. That puts my guestimated consumption at 126 units per week.

I seem to be a hard case. Been drinking for 30 years, and for the last decade, it has been like this. I am sad at my life situation, but I will not give up. I am 48 years old. I have a good job, and I make money. But, of course, I am so disappointed in myself. I will try to keep better records and post them on my progress. It is not unusual lately for me to wash down my 50 mg NAL first thing upon getting up in the morning with a cold beer. I know this breaks the rules.

I don't like AA...although I have friends who live by it. They do not know I am an alcoholic. I have tried AA several times, as well as outpatient rehab, when I quit for 7 weeks. God bless AA if it works for you, but it just ain't for me. I am too much of an analytical thinker. Hey, I like Jesus, and even might pray to God and Jesus at night. But, I don't really think that is going to change my situation. It is 4:00 am, and I have been drinking for about 22 hours. Still lucid, but this is not healthy. I hope to contribute to this forum in a useful way that may help others eventually (if only I can help myself), as well as succeed in overcoming this demon.

Love to all
Bud-man...
a drunkard

Hi..
I just happened upon your post today as I am feeling a little lackluster about my performance of drinking less.
Saturday I accidently went on a bender.. this is my pattern.. all or nothing. I was just remarking to myself that I had had no black outs or bad behaviour.. even though I unfortunately missed work the next day, I was so pleased that I hadn't mucked things up. Usually I'm not a very good drunk, and I surprised myself yesterday. Your post explains that effect.

Best of luck with it all...

Thanks for your post,
BoniR

The increased clarity is proof that TSM is working for you, in spite of the increase in numbers. However, you have been drinking so long and so hard that TSM will definitely be a long road for you. Just follow the golden rule for a few months and you will probably gradually lose your enthusiasm for 24 beers a day. And after a few months you should definitely apply some effort to your situation and buy less beer. Good luck.

Hi budman, sorry to hear things are so rough for you right now. Since you did have an intial reaction to the nal and decrease in consumption, it seems like you are in the 80 percent for whom it will work...however, I'm concerned about your current levels of drinking. Although taking the nal does "allow" you to drink, you should probably at this point make an effort to keep it within somewhat safe levels - 126 units a week is incredibly dangerous for your liver I'd imagine. I hope there is no driving in all of this, as well. Do you think you could take the nal and exercise a modicum of willpower on top of that? I'm not a doctor but that many units worries me from a purely physiological standpoint.
EL

Welcome Budman, I came from a similiar, seemingly hopeless place that you are describing now. Pre TSM i was drinking 84+ full strength beers (4.9%) but was still working and maintaining a public "good citizen" persona but I was miserable, felt like a failure, etc. I am now in week 34 of TSM and feel very different though i'm not out of the wood yet. I currently drink 15-20/wk on average. Like Nick says if you persist with taking Nal you will lose your taste for beer (as incredible as that seems). It is important to track your numbers (weekly) and post often- you will find heaps of support here. Good luck and once again welcome.

Happy 4th and I love your title: I'm a Drunkard.

Yes-siree. You are definitely in the right place here.

I started in the exact manner as you when I lent my hope and aspirations to the seemingly far-fetched Sinclair Method. But Nick and the rest who have wisely responded to your first post are right!!!!

It is an incredible, albeit a, l-o-n-g process to nip this alcoholic tendancy in its bud. Just follow the cherished golden rule: Nal+Al+Lots o' Patience=Regained control.

It's gonna take a bit of time, however. Just because your brain LOVES the alcohol you contantly feed it. Hey, look at it this way, Bud-man... you've taught your brain well.....

Still, buckle up. It's a year or more away, so say those heros that have regained control after dying from a self-imposed alcoholic lifestyle.

Keep on, my friend. Is there any other option?

AA sucks. I am not powerless, weak nor am I amoral. Good try AA.

My higher power is science.

Go forth and take a nal EVERTIME before you drink.

Let the magic unfold,

Ketchikan1

Thanks to all who have responded. Yes, in order for this to work, one must "man up" and impose some self-control in order to make progress. Taking the NAL allows increased drinking without the outrageous behaviors, at least for me. I am around into week 9...still drink all the time. I did take 2 days off this week from drinking, but that does not mean much to me. I have been at this so long. I can stop drinking for several days at a time if I really decide to, but maybe I also have depression. I definitely need to stick to this, I think. But, I feel kinda sick when I take NAL and drink; as in bloated, nauseas, headachy. I wish I had a personal assistant who could keep me from going out and getting that beer. And no, I do not drink and drive. I only have to walk to the store to get it. Again, I appreciate all of you and your personal stories, as well as your encouragement. I feel this forum and this approach could work for me, possibly. I will continue to read the posts of those who this method has actually helped. Thanks

Hang in there, buddy. It will get better. Make sure you try to wait the hour after NAL before you drink. I have been at this now for over 15 weeks. Clear head, and like you I can drink without bad behaviour, but I am currently in a holding pattern of 60+ units.

Take Care!!

Stick with it bud-man, it's gonna take a while to undo those 30 years.

Hi Budman, I suspect (from my own experience and 30 years of drinking) that the longer you've been at it, the longer it takes TSM to work its magic. I see that others have made faster progress than I have, although I feel my numbers are much more under control even though I'm drinking every day (for now). So definitely stick to it and give it some time. I certainly see no reason to ever quit TSM, heck taking a little pill isn't a problem.

I'm amazed at how at how many beers you can drink. I couldn't take that much liquid - I'm more of the type that would mix shots of rum/vodka with beer. I still do, but only 1 shot with light beer rather than 2 shots with 8% malt liquor (I know, sounds crazy!).

Anyhow, take it easy and let TSM do its thing! Best of luck!