LaBear,

My the_rapist is a recovery alcoholic using AA, she doesn't push it on me, but think I should do something or some kind of group, so I started SMART online and then went to a meeting. They do want you AF, but I just don't drink when I'm going to a meeting. The website is great too.

Marge - Welcome to the April Starters and TSM! I am the one who cleaned the whole house while drunk. Drunk cleaning is so very new to me. I used to sober up (trying) or suffering from withdrawls (which stinks) because I think moving helps me a little.

Bob - No offense taken

Don't worry I'm still grumpy but getting over it.

Providence, tell me where to find this website that you spoke about that helped you. Not familiar with it. Thanks

LaBear (and anyone else feeling discouraged),

PLEASE don't be upset if you don't notice changes during the first several weeks. You need to remind yourself that this takes time - less for some maybe, but more for others. There is no "right" way to feel or progress through TSM. Everyone is different, but most will have BIG ups and downs. I drank like a maniac during weeks 4-6, and was quite worried that TSM wouldn't work, but it did get better eventually.

While I see a definite change in my life since starting, I still have bad days, and we all will. That's just life in general. Certain situations will bring about triggers that could take a REALLY long time to extinguish in my opinion. Last night I was hoping to stop at a certain point, but I didn't. Sure, I'm dissapointed, and my numbers won't look as good as I wanted...blah, blah, blah. So what? The numbers mean nothing compared to seeing an overall change in your life. A few months ago, my hangover this morning would mean I'd be drinking right now to feel better. Now I naturally know that's not a solution, but back then the craving would overwhelm me to the point where I couldn't possibly resist. That's a big positive change for me. So screw the numbers! When your life starts slowly changing for the better, that's all that matters. Remember that it took years to get into this mess.

On top of that Bob was struck by lightening , which can't help matters - I mean can't help the mania or the drinking as result .

LaBear and everyone~

I think the cleaning is interesting. I also think this program is hard because we have always expected alcohol to do a specific thing for us and now it doesn't do that thing. There are a lot of emotions involved with quitting drinking. It was Kris or Providence who compared the good/bad of alcohol. In fact, today is a good day to check that website, SMART. Counseling might come in handy.

I'm different because I can't go to my doctor. My insurance doesn't cover this type of illness. If they catch on to this issue, they could drop our coverage. So, I'm hoping to use this program and quit altogether before it does become a medical problem.

I've been here a little over 2 weeks so its been hard to keep all the posts straight. Catching on but it will take some time for me to sort everyone out. One good thing is that we are all here for the same purpose. Whether we are hyper, crabby, tired, or drunk, we all know that we want to quit drinking. The other good thing is that we don't have to do it alone.

Does anyone get cramping type pains with the NAL? Let me know, please. Thanks.

I hope you all have a lovely day!

Mira-Marge

SMARTRECOVERY.ORG it really is a good rebuilding your life. Some of the leasons they re teach you might help with confidence in TSM.

Marge - Cramping yes I just thought it was because I was drinking more than I used to without giving my body a break.

Thanks!

Smartrecovery.org was the last recovery program I was in, up until March 2009. In my opinion, it is the best, rational, scientific abstinence site there is. Personally, my sober days with SMART outnumbered my drinking days by four to one or so. The cravings as i approached 90 days sober each time were always too much for me too handle.

Then I stumbled upon TSM. And I'm here at TSM.com now for the support and to help support others. We have such a nice group here going through this journey to craving extinction!

To those I may offended, in a recent post, I am truly sorry. After rereading it, I felt it was callous and lacked the warmth that Providence needed at the time. I'd like to let the matter go too and I'll repeat that I am sorry for the lack of empathy shown in that post.

Bob

I'm not speaking for Providence, but its okay, Bob. I've learned that everyone has an off day except me. HA! No, really though. We are all so vulnerable right now. Take care.