yes, the nal-overs are pretty nasty aren't they? it certainly makes me unable to drink as much as i used to - the memory of each nal-over i've had haunts me and last for at least a couple of weeks, now. But once the memory fades, I have had a handful of 12-15+ drinking nights...I'm hoping those go the way of the dodo, too!

Thanks for the encouragement Digitec-

I feel like the TSM is affecting my drinking habit at this point. The last two weeks I took zero AF days and did my best to drink at pre-TSM. I mostly could only stomach 6 beers (which is pretty low for pre-TSM). I did have the vomits twice; once when I drank an ale that tasted too sweet, and another in the morning while hungover from 8 beers the night before. Pre-TSM I would vomit maybe once every two years from alcohol so this is unusual. I've noticed that I will get nauseous if I have dark or sweet beers (which I used to love). I can only stomach 6-8 coors lights or budweisers before I start to feel sick. Makes me think of the nal working like a gentler antabuse. Anyways I just had 3 AF days in a row with out trying to force them to happen. In fact until I really thought about it on paper I though it had only been two nights AF. These three AF days were at my house while alone, which normally I would get relatively drunk. I think spending time with my friends (I was helping build an addition to a friends cabin the last two weeks) is still a pretty strong trigger. Lots of expected behavior with a long history that needs to be rewritten. I am not worried about it changing just noticing how strong it is. I hope everyone is finding some progress and clarity as they make their way through TSM. I definitely am realizing the notion that just because I am drinking less doesn't mean my problems are solved or life is instantly better. Drinking less will definitely make it easier to change other problems in my life for certain though.
Best-
Phil

It sounds like you are being very thoughtful about all of this, phil, and I think that will help change habits. IT's so true that just drinking less does not solve all our problems. But your progress seems very good and I hope all keeps going well!!

Thanks for the encouragement EL-
Yes, I feel like the gears of change are turning. I read about your new job opportunity & your publication- kick ass!
Best-
Phil

Good going Phil. You sound like you are well on your way

Thanks Katie Smiles-

This last week I had a significant change in behavior. Five days AF and only 12 units split evenly between two nights for the week. I am sure the units are going to go back up this week but it sure is promising and encouraging to go through a week like that with little force applied.

School is starting back up in a little bit and I feel like my drinking has already changed enough to help restructure how I will deal with stress in the next semester. I drank one day this week without Nal when I had forgotten it on a trip to the river for the day. Strangely I felt the same restraint I have been while on Nal and drank 7 units and then stopped early in the evening (when normally I would'a kept chug a luggin till I passed out). I am not going to let it happen again and I am sure that it would be devastating to continue another day drinking w/o Nal.

I have also had the experience of forgetting to take nal and strangely having the restraint still in there - I think this is the behaviour part of TSM which does also change over time, as you change your habits. But agreed- it's a dangerous path to go down. Nal-on!
EL

Well not a lot to report. Units went up as I figured they might. Not as bad as previous two high unit weeks. Had an AF on a night with my friends which is definitely one of the strongest triggers I face currently. Have had a couple instances where I took only 25mg due to wanting to keep appetite for beer and food in social situations. Thinking this not a good method. I end up drinking much more and seems contrary to the whole intent of TSM.

Hope everyone is seeing the sunnyside of life as they further their progress through TSM!!
Best-
Phil

Yes, Andy and I also have experimented with 25 mg and it is usually not enough to keep oneself in check - maybe ok for a big event where you, like you said, want to keep your appetite but otherwise not worth the risk.