Hello Jalapeno,

thanks for your thoughts, I think its going o.k. but like everything be it a new diet or a new drinking regime I'd prefer instance results, but actually I know deep down that there is a lot that needs to be undone and that will take time. I am actually kind of happy that the drug gives me some side effects as it tells me it is doing something!!

I am going to try for another AF night tonight, I am not forcing it but just want to be clear headed at the moment and the Nal plus booze make me feel uptight the next day. I find if I go out watch a film at about supper time I get over the initial time that I really want a drink 5pm ish

Saw the G.P today. She had vaguely heard of the success in Scandinavia with Nal but was new to TSM. I have lent her my book. I was worried that she would be cross with my self medicating but she told me it was my body and well done for doing something!

I've got to have a blood test and she will look into it more but doesn't think there will be a problem with 3 months of Nalmefene. In the U.K there isn't yet total approval for Nalmefene. Her only concern was that I would be on it for life and she seemed to think that with cognitive behavioural therapy sort of work I could re wire my brain to stop the addiction starting again. I told her that was the opposite of what TSM taught and to be honest if/when it does work I could just continue to self medicate! I am just happy she didn't suggest I stopped and actually seemed genuinely interested when I talked about my new lack of desire and leaving drinks.

Applause! Everything is going great. Keep the course.

So not a bad week, nearly finished the biggest weeks of my year work and stress wise.

I had 2 af days this week, I don't think they were due to TSM more due to not wanting to feel side effects or hung over when working. I have to say though they were easy to do!!

Definitely noticing a lack of interest in drink more, didn't finish wine again last night, not craving booze as sharply, and really feel I am drinking as a habit/reward system.

anyways units down.. horray, also side effects nearly gone

Well done Nigeir! Stay the course.

Bit of a bad week last week booze wise. 79 units with 1 af, so whilst I had an af which happened easily as I was out and driving that night, the other nights I more than made up for drinking heavily.

I guess the honeymoon period is over, I don't get any intense cravings, but my problem is I adore drinking at home of an evening and watching t.v. now that I am on TSM I allow myself to drink what I want and I think the gremlin is saying that I can have lots, and that actually drinking is the solution so tuck in. It may also be that I am trying to drink more to search for the high; but whatever the reason I am sitting here with a hangover feeling a bit down.

Lastly I worry about how blocking the opiate receptors is effecting everything else, I lay in bed yesterday morning with nothing to do all day and just couldn't be bothered, normally I would go off on a long walk, go see a film, or garden, but I just didn't feel like doing anything.

It could all also be tied in to the fact we have now finished harvest, it went so so at the end, and it was so stressful that I'm coming back down to earth after that. Fingers crossed, I am sticking to protocol 100%, when I am drinking heavily I am pure drunk and not high, just I still seem to want to do that.

Nigeir

From my own experience, you're following exactly what happens with TMS. In a way you should be glad as its a sign that the protocol is working for you.

I had doubts around week two and I re read some earlier weekly posts, plantprO is a good one as he was a daily drinker and it took a long time for his drinks to fall. What must have been months of hard work for him is great to see his progress over time.

IMHO we're all expecting much faster results than is going to happen, yes there are some who are early responders but for the most we just have to follow that golden rule a wait for the Cure.

I'm an evening drinker, breaking the habit of winter nights in front of the open fire watching TV. Christmas approaching. All these seem impossible at times, however if I've understood the experience of others then you don't have to work hard. Let TMS and the extinction process do all the hard work and then the habits will change all on there own.

I liked the analogy of the train slowing enough for us to jump off, or in some folks case that train just stops all by itself. Magical!!!

Well done nigeir! Stay the course.

Hi Nigel - how're you doing today?

I think a lot of us are evening drinkers here. My witching hour is about 6pm when I start cooking. Although I've only taken two Nalmefines so far, my craving has dropped from a 10 at around 5pm to around a 1. I really feel like I can take it or leave it at the moment - but as you say this is probably because i feel lethargic and drugged.

What I'm aiming for and hoping for is that after a few weeks I will only need to take the drug two or three times a week so on my AF days I won't feel so drugged up.

Keep focusing on the end goal, when the Nal will only be taken occasionally because you don't have cravings at all any more.

hello snapdragon,

thanks for the question.. Today much better, I arranged to meet a friend tonight where no booze is involved, as I knew I was going to drive and no drink I got past that hour where like you I cook and drink, so just heading out and feel fine.

Also had my liver function tests back today that the GP did last week, they are all fine, 2 years ago some were just a bit high so I count myself lucky.

I just hope it ends up well, and I think it will, I see some people fast respond and if you do then it might be possible to get to mostly AF days after a few weeks, but I also feel that it will take longer and I am prepared for that. Like you snapdragon at the beginning I had very low cravings and was more concerned about the side effects, now that the side effects are a lot lower I am afraid the demon comes back, and I am pretty sure its just going to be time and sticking to it that will solve