yes, sometimes the craving isn't there for me but the habit is. over time it seems like these associations have been fading for me. an example was last night.

went to see a friend's band and went to his wife's house pre-show where she made cocktails (VERY special ones!) for my wife and I. had three, walked to the show and proceeded to order a pitcher of beer for she and I. I actually paid for it, then filled up a pitcher of water and several glasses! all night I drank water and never even sipped the beer I paid for! this would have NEVER happened pre-Nal. I think by ordering the pitcher, the ritual was started, but I was having so much fun dancing and being stupid I didn't crave the beer at all. granted, I had a few drinks prior to, but it didn't set the avalanche rolling like it would have before.

I think you'll slowly find ways that the associations of AL and "good things" will wane a little bit. you'll start to not see AL as essential to your pleasure. it's gradually working that way for me....

Zontar, that is great and that is sort of my experience too. My husband and I went to a movie last night and at dinner prior to I ordered a cosmo (my nemesis, they can be strong!!). I enjoyed it and so got a second. I took a few sips of the second and just did not want more. That would NEVER have happened before, I would have drained the glass and been looking for more. My husband looked at me like "Really, you are leaving it there?" but I could tell he was happy about it.

After the movie he asked if I wanted to get a drink. (We have two kids and it was a rare adult night out for us). I said yes. Ordered another cosmo, but only drank about half. Again, NEVER would have happened before TSM. I can hardly believe this is me. I actually remember what happened during the movie, and went home like a normal person, woke up with no hangover. YAY!!!

Amazing.

XOXO Newlife

LOVING reading the stories like Newlife's and Zontar's - to hear of the difference that Nal has made is wonderful!

Re the food and wine - I never drink anything when I eat so I have no idea - but all I can suggest is to maybe use a really nice wine glass and have water - but make it special ? maybe a silly thing to suggest but that is all I've got ! LOL

Hugs, Maggie x

After two AF days, I feel that I sort of overdid it today. I had one pint of bear for lunch and about half a bottle of wine with dinner at friend's house. I was hoping that I will be able to just have one glass of wine but then really started to enjoy wine. Happily, I am totally sober after that. However, it might have been that Nal did not hold that long. I took 12,5 mg one hour before lunch and nothing more. I am afraid to increase the dosage because of side effects, but I might need to in the next days if needed. Today, was the first time since I started taking Nal that I felt old enjoyment when drinking wine and I am a little worried about that.

Tamtam - I think the old feelings sort of ebb and flow. Last week I did NOT want to drink - although I did a couple of days - this week I am wanting to drink - every day! I can only assume that it is like a roller-coaster as has been suggested to me - you go through a really good time - with it then it all seems to slow down and you chug along - and then the next rush comes. I think you are in a slow down part right now - so just hang in there and follow the Golden Rule,

Hugs, Maggie x

Thanks Maggie - yes, I think that the honeymoon period is getting to an end. It is not that I crave drinks, it is that I am often reminded about them and now do not feel the feeling of distaste as I did when I first started with Nal. Now, I need to consciously avoid triggers. Life this afternoon when I met with a friend I was tempted to suggest that we go to a pub and have a beer, but happily I suggested a coffee house. Later, I felt like going to have a bite to eat in a restaurant, but knowing that I will be tempted to drink, I bought food and took it home and since I have no alcohol at home all was well at the end. So, life changes are what is holding me back from drinking at the moment and also my desire to have more AF days. Today will be my third AF day this week - so that is encouraging.

Gosh you really are being good - all those things that you know will set you off, you side stepped ! Great going Tamtam !!

hugs, Maggie x

Yes good work Tam Tam!! Look how strong you are being. Nal on!! Newlife

I cannot believe that I so far have 4 AF days this week. Today was an amazing moment when I went to a bar with a friend and ordered Ginger Ale. This would have never happen before - usually, I ordered alcohol. I am very happy that I changed my ordering habit today and I hope that I will keep doing it in the future. And the good thing is also not to take Nal when one is on AF day.

Wow tamtam, things are sounding really good for you!! Going to a bar and ordering Ginger ale - that is HUGE!! Keep it up!! xoxo from Newlife