Hi Linda! And welcome. Glad you could join the forum and that you are working on breaking free from this nasty habit. I echo what Chris said about skipping meals, typical of me too, and lol, yeah, the desert too has to go to make space for booze. You might want to give this book (online at: http://home.earthlink.net/~briggsmorebe ... gSober.htm ) a read too, reads like a breeze and it's full of useful info on the habit bit to help you break/tame it. It's AA literature, which I am in no way plugging here, but it's useful nonetheless (or maybe because of, since other drunks wrote it from their combined wisdom and experience), lots of wise, down to earth, practical advice. I am not sure if you are aware of H.A.L.T., it's pretty famous, but I 'll mention it anyway since it's the closest thing to an acronym summation of alcohol triggers, hungry, angry, lonely or tired.

All the best, and we are here for you too.

Hi Linda ..... How are you doing? I hope all is well and that you are continuing with TSM.....I worry when I see someone drop off suddenly. I have done this a number of times in the past and really, really want to keep plugging away at taming the demon... So far this is the furthest I have come with the one hour rule ( on week 3 ) and I hope to follow your journey while continuing with mine. We are here for each other.. hugs.. Keek

Keek,
Thanks so much for keeping in touch and thinking of me. I was on vacation for a few weeks and was catching up at home. I can really see TSM working for me. My units have come down but more than that, I don't really get drunk any more. I have some drinks and then I quit, which I have not done in the past. Still working on getting some real AF days in. That seems the hardest for me. I had 2 AF days last week but I had a bad cold and allergies. But, in the past, that would not have stopped me from drinking so I think this is an improvement. I have never missed a Nal pill since I started on 3/19/13. Because of nausea, I am only taking 25 mg. a day now but it seems to still be working for me. Keep on keepin on.
LindaM

bigkimo, that sounds like real progress -- especially going through a vacation without getting drunk! I'd think it's possible that 25mg does just as much as 50mg would do (that is, it blocks all your receptors the same as 50mg would). Being able to stop when you would have kept going, and being able to drink and not get drunk, are two great signs that alcohol free days, weeks, and months are on their way. You'll find you have a lot more free time in the sense of having good, sober, quality time to do things that might not have been possible (for me, that was especially reading -- my teenager said to me the other night, "Why do you have this sudden interest in reading the past few months?" -- she's only known me during my drinking days, so had no point of reference).

Hey Linda,

Just want to add my words of encouragement. While most of us are pulled into alcoholism by the incredible force exerted by the endorphin based reward system in our brains, we also learn to love other aspects of drinking. From being around these boards for a year or so, it seems like the longer you have been drinking, the longer it will be before you can develop new, healthier habits.

The excellent news is that it seems to be working. For me, when I was at your stage of the game, AF days were preeeetty tough to muster. So many of my daily habits surrounded drinking... Don't beat yourself up if you can't pull too many AFs together just yet. For me, replacement works better than self-denial. If you used to watch TV while drinking, don't just watch TV without drinking, maybe try cooking, or painting, or doing a puzzle, or playing cribbage with someone, or anything that's an all new activity that you can learn to enjoy without the sauce.

For myself, I am wary of the half-dose. We all still have addict brains that crave the rush. You have to be harsh with your mind about that rush. No more again, ever. If a half dose is effective at blocking it for you, then that's great, but make sure you aren't feeding that beast just a little tiny bit. Are you seeing a Doctor or getting your pills online?

Anyway, this is a journey. You are clearly making real progress. The strings of AF days may not come for a while, but when they do, you will love them! Keep it up!

Generic,
Thanks for the encouragement. You are absolutely correct. Why beat myself up for no real AF's at this point when I think about how many drinks I have had on a daily basis for over 40 yrs. I am very glad that I am making progress. The longer I see the changes, the easier it is to not have the first one. I am trying to do different things to occupy my time before I have the first one too. Like today, I went for an hr. walk. Then a bite to eat and onto the computer to look at the board. Here I am almost 1:00 and still drinking water.

I am seeing a Dr. for my Nal but he thinks I am not drinking at all. I am amazed that he thought I would take this pill and just stop after I told him I was drinking about 7 to 8 units a day and couldn't stop. Even though I am making good progress I am a little skeptical of telling him I am still drinking at all. Don't want him to take my prescription away. Oh well, I'll tackle that one when the time comes.

Thanks again for the support.
Linda

Hi Linda, Glad to hear you made it through the vacation with lower units. I was reading what generic posted about not feeding the endorphin beast just a little and am a bit concerned for Both of us. I am still trying to titrate up on the Nal so that I block all of the endorphins, yet am deathly afraid of those severe headaches. Other than the headaches, the side effects have been pretty mild, but I feel for you wanting 25 mgs to work so as to avoid any major SE's. I think I will try a little more Nal (around 35 mgs) tomorrow night. If I feel like drinking I will, but I plan on hydrating and eating a decent meal prior. Am still a bit concerned over the deprivation effect because after a few days off, I can feel the urge to drink strengthen and seem to want to drink through the Nal. Trying not to over think the process, is easier said than done. If I were you I wouldn't worry about AF days just yet. I can't say what gave me the strength to try for more AF days, but sticking with the Nal has certainly made it easier. Also, coming to the TSM forum helps considerably. It looks like you are progressing by lowering your units!! Woot! Woot! Nal on!!!!! Keek

Hey... I hope all is well.....???

Hi all,
I have been reading the board but haven't piped up about my progress in awhile. I have taken the Nal every day except two days when I had bad cold and allergies since 3/19/13 (9 weeks). I had been averaging 49 units per week and it looks like I am averaging 33 units per week now. This is some success for me. I have been drinking daily for about 40 years so I think I may take longer to cut back more and have some AF days. I am strictly a beer baby with a little wine once in awhile. I see lots of folks making progress here and am very happy for them.

Thank you all for your support.

Linda

Good Job Linda.

I can't wait to get into the 30's average. My goal over the next 6 weeks.