I just finished my first 12weeks on TSM. I have had "issues" with alcohol for many years on and off.
About 6 years ago I was given a pretty drastic medical diagnosis...29 weeks into a very unusual pregnancy. Ended up getting c-section at 34 wks., which should have been safe for the baby, but she ended up on a ventilator for about a week. Then failure to thrive for about six months after. I also had my own battles, dodging a lobectomy with a sick newborn, deciding to relocate "back home" for suppport., anything that could go wrong did. Long story short, major medical, financial and personal problems one on top of another. Took about 4 years to resolve all these problems.
In the meantime I developed quite a serious dependence on alcohol. Mostly wine and beer, never a big hard liquor drinker. That being said I can certainly put away the Pinot Grigio. I have been following this forum for a while. I have read and reread The Alcohol Cure also Bablon Confidetial.
I keep a very accurate drinking diary as well. Although my consumption is way down from pre- nal (70+weekly) I still thought I would be much further along. I have yet to obtain an alcohol free day. Thank God for this forum because according to the book I should definetely be cured by now. My weekly units are now in the mid 30's to low 40's. but week 12 was 47. And yesterday day 1 of week 13 a whopping 9 units.
I appreciate any input!

You said, "According to the book I should definitely be cured by now." Actually, he makes quite the opposite argument. I don't know the exact page number, but Eskapa clearly says that it takes "three months minimum" to be cured. So, you're at the "minimum" level right now after 12 weeks. I've argued before against Eskapa's 3-month minimum maxim (I think it can be much, much shorter), but I want to make sure you're not discouraged by a misunderstanding of the book.

I'm not Barry, like you, I am a medical professional(rn 25 yrs)I just meant if I went by the book alone I may have thrown in the towel by now.I have been lurking this forum go a while, I felt awkward jumping in, also, had hopes is be a quick cure for some reason...
I worked in an innercity ED in the NE. so I guess compared to all the drunks I was use to seeing I thought I would be a quick cure. I know stupid thinking!

Welcome, Clemitine! I'm glad you found TSM and this site as well. I've learned a lot here, mostly that our journeys are all slightly different, much as our alcohol stories are, but in the end we all have a problem with alcohol and many (80+% I believe it is) find success in controlling or eliminating our addiction with this method. Keep following the golden TSM rule and best to you. Nal on!

Hi there

Glad you are carrying on, yes the book does suggest you'd be cured at 3 months. I was a fast responder and it took me 6 months for the drive to really go away, but I saw improvements right from day 1. Still had the odd worrying spike for perhaps the first 18 months, but if your units on the whole are up to 50% down on pre-TSM I'd say you are doing just fine. Some found an enforced AF day really made a difference - seems completely impossible at first, then you get it under your belt and suddenly it's not as bad as you thought. I think some of it is just learned behaviour/association too.

Keep on taking the pills.

Clemitine,
I see what you're saying. BTW, now that you're in your 13th week and posting, I think it's time you try an alcohol-free day. I think you'll find that will make a big difference in what you consume on your drinking nights. Maybe wake up early, exercise, or do whatever to get completely exhausted. Then, make sure there's no alcohol in the house. Take a Benadryl or something, go to a movie to distract you, then go to bed. The first one's always the hardest!

Keep us posted!

Thanks everyone for your support and input. I definitely would like to try an AF day this week, although the prospect is very scary to me. Will keep you all posted.

Don't be scared...for most people, the main problem is insomnia at night, others have mild withdrawl symptoms, others have major. When is the last time you had an alcoholic free day?

Baby steps Clem.

It took me a long time to get that unicorn. (First AF day.)

I had zero through weeks 1-5

1 AF weeks 6-8

Zero week 9

1 af week 10-11

So in theory, I actually averaged less than 1 for my first 12 weeks.

Finally, now after somehow poppin a big 5AF days in week 14, I now average a monstrous 1.286 AF days per week.

Welcome Clem, Hmmm.... A few years ago when I was drinking wine daily, the thought of an AF day seemed daunting. However, on occasion I would be hungover enough that I didn't want a drink for a day. Fast forward to trying TSM and I now can manage a few AF's in a row. I'm not really sure what changed other than taking the alcohol out of the house and being desperate to get a handle on the alcohol consumption. I have to remind myself daily, sometimes hourly, that TSM is my priority. Everyone's situation and body chemistry is different, but I'm sure you will find a few members who's stories are very similar to yours. I think it is awesome that you are reaching out. And BTW, I'm only four weeks into TSM and am holding tight to the idea that I may be a super responder also. Ill tell you what I tell myself daily......... "patience". I wish you much success. Keep us posted, keek