Lower numbers this week which is good. I had a couple of late evening events driving my kids around that prevented me from hitting the sauce earlier.

I've been experimenting with 1 tsp of L-glutamine powder mixed with juice 2x a day to control cravings. Nothing dramatic so far but some of the info out there suggests it takes time to kick in. I'll let you know what I find out. It works for some, not others. No side effects for me so far.

35 units is great tiller!

i'll be interested in what you think about the l-glutamine. it's good for sports too, right? i was reading another thread about it and was thinking about trying it. i run, so maybe it can work double duty!

nal on!

Hi, Tiller! Hope all is well. How did the l-glutamine work?

Hey HF: So far I can't report much effect. But I only used it for a week before travel got in the way. Going to get the experiment going again and see what happens. Thanks for asking.

Well folks, at the moment I'm tempted to rename this thread "Tiller's Stasis." My levels are just slightly lower than before TSM and have been that way for some weeks. I find myself feeling a little discouraged but also remind myself I'm still early into this. As a heavy drinker for 20+ years the wiring will take time to get untangled.

It does feel different on Nal. I have little appetite for wine or beer, which is a change. Doesn't taste rewarding. Just vodka or bourbon for me at the moment. And that's different, too. Its more of a chore to drink, compelled by the cravings that kick in every day at 5. By the end of the work day I simply can't imagine going AF. It would be a total white-knuckle experience. But once in my cups I can't moderate. I don't get much of a buzz but I do end up drunk.

So I'll take all that as evidence that Nal is at work. At least I hope so.

Booze is not destroying my life so much as eroding it. I have less energy and enthusiasm for doing stuff with my kids and my wife, I'm less effective at work and I'm accomplishing/enjoying less in my life. Booze is a depressant and that's what it's doing -- depressing what I can be. I've said all this before but write it again as a way of remembering why I'm doing the long march with TSM rather than trying immediate abstinence and something like AA.

I really want the change to come quickly and I envy the lucky folks here who had a fast turnaround. But I just gotta push on one day at a time and look to my comrades on this board for inspiration. Thanks for all your honesty and your support of each other.

Keeping the faith!

"Booze is not destroying my life so much as eroding it." --Tiller

Nicely put.

Keep on keeping on! Great progress.

Happy Halloween,

Ketchikan1

Yes, that's a very good observation Tiller. It's good that it hasn't taken a disaster or series of disasterous events for you to turn to TSM - but like you say, that doesn't mean that booze isn't having a negative effect on your life.
Patience 11 weeks is very early in - at that point in time I was still getting black-out drunk once every week or so I think!!

Hey Tiller,

I can so relate to how you feel at week 11. Its early though, and patience will yield results. It will work, just give it time. I'm it week 23 and do feel progress, although very slow. If you are like me, you will notice a change around week 19 or 20, where you will feel more clear headed and not so slurry. The blackouts may lessen as well. Just keep going. It will be worth it in the end......

Best

hi tiller -

the nal is working, it's just early in the process. doubt is no fun, but we just need to keep taking the nal one hour before and let it do it's thing. patience is not my strong suit, so i totally hear you on the wishing for instant success. we will get there!

and nalwayout - i'm holding you to that week 19 or 20 statement

Hey Tiller,

As you’ve said to me in so many words; stay the course and keep steering your ship in the direction you’ve chosen as you will eventually reach your destination.

Keep going, you’ve changed your course and remember Nal + drinking = Cure. It’s real early for me, and I'm sure I'll have my doubts as well, but I believe in the science behind it and I know that you and I by following the program and with the help of each other and everyone else here will be in the 80%.