Netty, I told myself this several times during the early weeks - but, except for one day during the 'honeymoon' phase, didn't manage an AF till the first day of this week 10. It came spontaneously, and effortlessly. This week I haven't had another one, as I had planned. Maybe today. Maybe not.

Don't overthink it. . .just ALWAYS take your nal one hour prior, and quitcherworryin'.

Here's a weekday update I can't wait to share 'til my next weekly progress report: I made it almost 48 hours without drinking and without thinking about drinking (the first time in about 10 years)! I drank 4 beers Tuesday night (that was the evening I got bummed out 'cause I hadn't experienced an AF day since starting TSM). When I woke up Wednesday morning I decided I wasn't going to drink, and didn't revisit that decision the rest of the day. After work today (Thursday), my husband and I went out to dinner and I had a couple pints of beer with my meal (still tastes as good as ever) -- and that's it for tonight. The only problem I noticed on my first TSM-AF day was difficulty going to sleep. I was very hyper into the wee hours of the morning, but eventually read myself to sleep. I then woke up at dawn -- way too early to go to work. Apparently, the combination of daily alcohol plus naltrexone has definitely helped me get to sleep and stay asleep over the past 6 weeks. Consequently, I'm abnormally tired today -- but looking forward to sleeping well tonight. Forgot to mention -- my husband said the sweetest thing to me at dinner tonight: Hey, you're not drinking like an alcoholic!". TSM rocks!

Wow - your husband rocks TOO! What a wonderful thing to say! So glad you had such a great experience. I just came off 2 AF days as well, and can't recall how long it's been since that happened. All went pretty well, except that I ate non-stop! It might be hormonal or something - can't figure out what my body is up to these days!

But I recall a few others saying their appetite was down while on Nal. Oh well - I'll settle for a few extra pounds if that's what it takes. I'd rather be fat and happy than drunk and skinny!

Congratulations - it's inspiring to hear the good news, and we're so happy for you!

Congratulations on your AF days too, and thank you for your gracious words! Interesting observation about the spike in appetite -- you definitely have a healthier attitude about that than I do. In your case, I assume you're just making up for the deficit from the reduction in alcohol calories. If that happened to me, I'd attribute it to another problem. Specifically, a very long time ago (back in my late teens -- before I became a daily drinker), I had a serious eating disorder. When I inadvertently discovered that drinking "cured" my eating disorder, I gleefully traded one disgusting compulsive habit for what I considered an infinitely better (and more socially acceptable) habit of drinking. If I found myself returning to the bad 'ol days of eating disorders while on TSM, I'm sure I'd give up the program. Happy to report -- that's not one of my side-effects!

It's interesting to note that Naltrexone is used as an off-label treatment protocol for binge-eating, bulimia, and self- injurous behavior -- all disorders that have been linked to a malfunction of the endogenous opioid system (just like alcohoism). So, looking back it makes sense that I "traded" one brain chemistry related problem for another.

Netty - great mid-week progress. That is so very encouraging to read! Your first AF days in 10 years, wow. Without effort. Wow.

And I loved your husband's comment as well. Very cute.

Netty, very encouraging report. Can you update us on how long you've been on Nal, and what (approx.) your upw was/is? That way, people with similar patterns can use you for comparison purposes! (Plus, "Inquiring minds want to know. . .)

Can you update us on how long you've been on Nal, and what (approx.) your upw was/is? That way, people with similar patterns can use you for comparison purposes! (Plus, "Inquiring minds want to know. . .) [/quote]

I'm almost done with week 7. Before I started TSM, I drank a 6-pack of beer each day, and have been doing so for most of my adult life (I stopped drinking both times I was pregnant -- my kids are teenagers now). This week, it appears I'm on my way to drinking less than 15 beers (versus 42 pre-Nal) -- with no more than 4 at one sitting.

Yeah Netty! Keep rolling!

It's the end of week seven -- and my tally for the week is just about at the "Upper Limits of Moderate Drinking" for women (ref: page 115, The Cure for Alcoholism, one unit = 12 grams of ethanol). I want to thank you all for your encouraging words -- it's really motivating to be part of this community!

Here are week 7 daily stats (US unit = 14 grams ethanol; e.g., 12oz 5% beer = 1 unit):

Pre-Nal 42
29-Apr 0.0
30-Apr 3.3
1-May 1.8
2-May 2.1
3-May 2.8
4-May 2.7
5-May 2.1
Total 14.9
64.53% reduction from pre-nal

Great job Netty! It's very encouraging to read things like this.