I wanted to throw something out to everyone to get opinions and advice. I am now in week 13 of TSM and feel like I have made trememdous progress. I have had more AF days in the last two weeks than I have had in many, many years. I have been much more under control when I do drink and have not had any embarassing episodes in months (which used to be weekly with my husband). All in all, i feel really good about my progress. My problem is this...my husband is asking me to not drink for 1 month just to show him I can do it. He says it means so much to him and that if I really wanted to make him happy I would do it. Honestly, at this point, the idea doesn't sound totally outlandish. My only thing is that I don't feel like I'm quite ready to go there without there being some real nail biting days and I also don't want to have to start all over with NAL. I had very severe side affects with NAL at the beginning and am afraid that I will have to go through that all over after the one month break. I did ask my husband to read the book, which he finally did. I have also sent him several articles about TSM in the hopes that he reads, believes and understands it so that he will see why I'm hesitant to stop for one month at this point in my progress. I just don't think he's convinced yet. I don't know what to do. Any advice?

Your progress has been remarkable! To me, it's like you were dying of cancer, have been given a life-saving treatment and then are being asked to give it up. Personally, I think you should continue to drink when triggered to drink. If you are maintaining control, it is harmless and is helping extinction. IMO, tell your husband you'll give him a month of AF days, but not until your addiction is extinguished.

Of course, that's just my opinion. Only you know what's best for you and your marriage.

I think a month AF can be a great - and enlightening - thing. Even if it has nail-biting moments, I think it's worth it. However, you should only do an AF month if YOU feel like you want to do it. Otherwise, I think nick's suggestion is spot on - what is the big rush if you've made such good progress so far?
EL

I will chime in here and say that if you want to do one month AF, you can still continue taking Nal for that time. Maybe every few days or so to avoid the nasty side effects of starting over. Just a thought.

Just my opinion, the sooner you reach extinction of your compulsions by following TSM, the sooner you will be able to have an AF month with no stress. Go back over the book with your hubby and explain to him again how the process works and that you need to see it to completion in order to safely enjoy a month AF. Wishing you the best in your progress...

Thanks so much for the feedback! I actually talked to my husband this weekend and he is on-board with my continuing TSM. I know he is just gun shy because he has had to deal with my alcohol issues for so long that he is just burned out. He has very little tolerance left. I am going to start out with a goal of 4-5 AF days per week. If I can acheive that with little effort I will go for a full month. I think the idea of taking the NAL once a week or so just to keep my system used to it is a good one.

Again, thanks to everyone for your support. This site is a lifesaver!

KD

That sounds like a good plan, KD! Best of luck
EL

Good to hear your husband is being supportive KD! Let us know how you progress.