Last week my units dropped by 20, however I still had 35 beers over 3 separate days with 4 AF days in between. The drinking is not fun anymore; I already have an anxiety disorder which drinking only exacerbates. I don't get hung over in the traditional sense, just interrupted sleep, and sky high anxiety the next day. It's easier for me to go AF than moderate, as I am a binger who rarely can stop at a few in spite of strict adherence to the Golden Rule. I think it's a deeply ingrained habit (40 years+) and when I do drink I go to great lengths to chase a buzz that NAL has disrupted. So, I'm about 5 months in and I'm going to go for my first AF week. I already have 3 days toward the goal. There's a NAL in my pocket just in case, however I think I'm ready. Then I'll concentrate on next week.........

Way to go retread, but sorry to hear about the anxiety.

My habit was 30+ years, not quite as long as yours, but I understand what you're saying about "ingrained".

We're both finishing up 5 months of nal and looking at AF time, so let's hang in there together.......it gets easier after the first few days

Good luck to you both and cheering you on. Newlife

Well done retread, this is a huge step and I'm here all the way for you.

That's the right thing to do, IMO. Stretch it out farther and farther. I wonder how much the anxiety disorder is caused by alcohol, rather than relieved by it.

Thanks to all for the comments and encouragement. Regarding my anxiety disorder it is unfortunately real; alcohol makes it worse. When I was drafted toward the end of the Vietnam War, I was 18 and only had like a 6 pack on the weekends. When I got to the blood pressure and pulse station, my heart rate was 140 and my BP was off the charts. They kept me locked up for 3 days peeing in a cup to make sure I wasn't on speed. I always had a knot in my stomach, and if anyone just touched my shoulder I would jump 3 feet in the air. I'm sure that this contributed to my heavy drinking but eventually the drinking turned on me. I'm on day 4, and thanks to some new meds I am not a nervous wreck. I don't think drinking is an option for me, because alcohol negates the effects of the meds. It feels good to feel good, if you know what I mean. Thank God for TSM and all of you sharing the journey!

Good for you retread for dealing with all of this. Keep posting and nal on!! Hugs, Newlife

Hi Retread, I am at 6 months on TSM and have not had more than 2 AF days in a week. So happy for you that you have accomplished 4 in a row now!
I suffer from Anxiety hence me starting to drink to band-Aid the situation and now after 40 years or so of drinking I am a full blown alcoholic. I know alcohol only makes it worse but my beast brain doesn't care and only wants what it wants.
I am trying to drink slower and pace my drinks and hopefully AF days will come more naturally for me soon.
You are doing great!
Nal On!

Do you have PTSD from being in the army, or was the anxiety there prior to that?

Sorry if that is a direct question, I'd like to understand and I may have some suggestions.

I would agree that alcohol would make something like that worse, especially on AF days as your nerves lose their anaesthetic.


I don't think alcohol ever makes anything any better!

You are doing a great job Retread and I think alcohol and anxiety can go hand in hand. I have noticed on this forum that a lot of people (including myself) have used alcohol to relieve anxiety and stress. However it seems in the end the alcohol can make it worse. Hang in there and keep up the good work!