Dang it BV. I'm glad I had the opportunity to read your posts before you got all circumspect on us. But I understand the need for descretion. Here, anyway.

I do hope you'll continue writing; it seemed to be a needed outlet and could yield interesting insights when you look back on this process.

You're off to a stellar start and I will continue to look forward to updates on your journey.

Cheers!

Brief update:

In my first few days on TSM my cravings were wiped out, which was quite stunning. As previously noted I continued to dose with alcohol for extinction, despite not desiring it.

Friday, after drinking four units Thursday night, I had a disabling hangover that lasted all day. In comparison, I was drinking a pint or more of whiskey daily prior to commencing TSM -- without such hangovers.

I did not drink Friday or Saturday; nor did I consume NAL. Zero cravings, no edginess, nothing. Already I'm sleeping 20% more than when drinking heavily.

I've decided to go cold turkey. I have no cravings and intellectually I am committed to abstinence rather than moderation. Social life and expectations, habits generally, and stress triggers are my primary concerns. These are issues that should be manageable. These are just matters of choice rather than anything physiological. I'm spending a couple hours a day reading, at the moment, to understand better the psychology and neuroscience of habit and self-sabotage. In my case, if I understand such things (and can visualize, if only briefly, the man I can become if I make manifest such changes) I find it much easier to organize personal change.

If I fall off the wagon or if redevelop cravings I'll return to the TSM methodology. My opinion now is that the NAL opened a door to relatively stress-free sobriety, so I'm going to walk through it. Best wishes to all.

Good luck! I hope things work out for you.

Good luck to you BV!!!!!

I'm with you on that. It's great to know we have it available "just in case," but really abstinence-to-light drinking WITHOUT Nal is a better outcome than WITH Nal. I've only taken one pill in almost 6 weeks or so. Still controlling my drinking, most of my nights are AF, and have no problem stopping at 2-3 drinks (maybe 4 sometimes). Again, my life now versus last year at this time is dramatically improved (though a bunch of marriage turmoil right now).

BV got my head spinning