Wow, amazing!
I guess what I was saying was a little different though TK - I DON'T generally have social anxiety, but I feel that nal makes me have it. If that makes sense? I just get a bit edgier on nal than usual, and then on top of that the alcohol no longer really takes the edge off...so I just end up being a bit more anxious all around.

Well, I guess this is it. No drinks at all last week. Some minor cravings that possibly were just expectations out of habit since they came at predictable times. It was easy to not drink. In fact, it was easier to not drink that take a Nal, wait an hour, then drink. So - no problem.

I definitely am moving to a new stage here. I want to remain abstinent except for oddball occasions. The fact that I can drink if I really want to is a primary reason for why this is working for me in the first place. I don't want to never be able to touch a drop of alcohol again. So managing my life - this new life - being abstinent by default is going to take some getting used to. I have Nal in several places to be sure I will never drink without it. But also that I can drink with it, if the situation is such that that's what I want to do.

Last, this seems to have happened rather quickly, so I don't necessary trust that this is "over." I realize this is a loooooooong term thing, so I am going to give it at least through October before I declare myself anything (I don't know that I'll ever be comfortable with the word "cured." TSM is definitely working so why rush anything. I kind of like tracking my units anyway.

So while I'm definitely starting to think of the next chapter in life now, I'm in no way less committed or interested in TSM. I am SO VERY GRATEFUL for TSM and this board. THANK YOU.

What amazing progress, Tak, you're even faster than me and I thought I was fast! but as you say, it's early days yet, we don't wan't to count any chickens yet, but it sure feels good.

Way to go!

TK, that is amazing! I agree that it is early days and you might well have an extinction burst down the line. Regardless, however, you will regain control very shortly I think. There are some people who are super responders to nal and just never see an increase after the honeymoon period. Maybe you are one of the lucky ones! I must say I am a bit jealous Although our goals are not quite the same...I want to drink socially on a weekly basis, just never get out of control or have hangovers any more...
Good luck making it through October and feeling confident about your newfound control

Congratulations TakKat

I'm amazed at how well TSM has worked for you so far. Awesome!
Keep up the good work....

Cheers
Sticky

Wow Takkat, thats the fastest progress I have seen. Quite an unusual journey compared to the rest of us. I agree with you that it is wise not to rush things. Congratulations, you are well and truly on your way to RC.

Wow Takkat, thats the fastest progress I have seen. Quite an unusual journey compared to the rest of us. I agree with you that it is wise not to rush things. Congratulations, you are well and truly on your way to RC.

Wow. Another AF WEEK!!! That's awesome!!!!

Week 8 was pretty simple - no drinking at all. For the most part, I am living my goal in that I've basically forgotten about drinking. I say for the most part, because I have spent so many years in and around drinking that it's hard to conceive of life without it for very long. Still, I don't want to talk myself out of being excited the progress I've made.

I have been off and on drinking since 1991. So I've got the practice. So far TSM has been incredible, but I'm not done yet, not by a long shot. I think one of the biggest things that's helping right now is knowing that I can drink anytime I want, so long as I take a Nal before. Pre-TSM I always shot for total and complete abstinence and failed. Now I'm just staying away form alcohol, but if I ever decide I want a drink I don't feel like I'll have ruined anything. That takes alot of the pressure off.

Last, based on this, and this, I'm still interested in trying Low-Dose Naltrexone to see what happens. I'll write back and let you know how that goes. Thanks all for all your support.