This is the end of week 1 of my re-start. Final count 69. I think my real baseline is closer to 50, based on weekly purchases and a journal I kept months ago. This week was unusual as I was on vacation during the holidays and everyday was a weekend day. I expect the numbers will drop in the next 2 weeks as I get back to a normal routine. Perhaps I should discard this week so it does not look like nal is responsible for the upcoming decrease. we'll see. I'll wait a few weeks before I update my profile / signature with the weekly tracking numbers. What I learned this week: The golden rule is not very flexible. Too many deviations can cause more harm than good, making extinction tougher to achieve. 50 or 75mg is not enough for me. I need 100mg to cancel out the euphoric feeling, and another dose of 50mg if I drink longer than 4 hours. While the feeling is not there the desire to continue to drink still is. Probably out of habit. Again we'll see. I've made no effort yet to cut back. I'm letting the nal do its thing toward extinction. I followed the golden rule without exception. Luckily, I have no hangovers or SEs. After all that drinking, I don't feel drunk. I just get tired and mellow. I did not pass out or fall asleep in my chair this week with a drink beside me. That is not uncommon. My goal is to get under 15 per week, no more than 3 per day and 1-3 AF days per week. I can't wait for the day when I don't even think about this stuff for me and I can coach newbies to successful cures!

That's not habit; it's conditioning. Habits aren't so bloody hard to break.



That's how it is for me. It's not unpleasant, but not worth a big whoop either.



That's great news.

I'm guessing that you're more aware of the whole process as well? It sounds like it. That's one of the first steps towards extinction -- we stop blacking out, passing out, all that wretched stuff, and have more awareness of what we're doing even if we're still too drunk to make wise choices.

I am a big drinker. Not just alcohol but any liquid - tea, coffee, water - I always have a cup or glass of something at hand. Part of my alcohol problem was choosing to put wine in my glass instead of water. Perhaps you are a big drinker too. Perhaps you could make sure you have a glass or mug of something non-alcoholic handy so you can continue to 'drink' but just not alcohol.

End of week 2: Total for the week 42. 1AF. Missed my goal of 2. Highest day was 12. Getting back to a work routine from the prior week of vacation certainly helped. But even on school nights this week I was able to drink significantly less than normal. Followed the golden rule without exception. Got a little exercise in. Drinking desire still there, but I'm finding I can more easily put it off and start later and then stop sooner. I did put some effort into it this week vs. last week - no restraint. Extinction seems a long way off but possible. Oh Yeah, and the mood around the house/family seems a little better. Definitely feeling optimistic about future progress and very much appreciate all the support and experience shared on this forum.

That's fantastic! Consumption already dropping, household mood already improving . . . good news all around.

I'm glad you found us. I think your journey will be an inspiration to others.

End of week 3. Total count 31. Range 3-9. While I'm happy with progress, I did not have any AF days, bummer. I still feel like drinking, and still enjoy it, but noticeably less. Followed golden rule without exception, still using 100mg. Been out of town all week on biz trip. Also worked out 4 times this week, which I haven't done in 15 years. I have found the mood around the homefront is inversely proportional to the amount I drink. Drink less = more communication, more happy faces. Plus I don't have to hide or sneak drinks. Thanks to all. Can't wait for someday to plant the 'cured' flag in the ground.

Funny how that works, huh? If you see loved ones happier the less you drink, that shows you the misery that alcohol has brought to you and your family. You're in a positive feedback loop now -- less alcohol = happier family = better workouts = you feel better = you want to drink less and less. Eventually, you'll maybe even come to see alcohol as your enemy and not your friend. Right now, it's your frenemy.

Ditto



Double Ditto



Triple Ditto



I second that.

As always Barry, well put.

Last week 32. This week 31. 2 week road trip. Not great. But still on program. Working out daily.