what if you approach it the other way around? have you thought about trying to incorporate some of what you do during a cleanse - mindfulness, behavior, etc. - into everyday life? if you can do 21 days easily during a cleanse, then you can clearly do AF days if you're in the right mindset.

-badger

Badger, it has always amazed me that I can do a cleanse without alcohol and it is not a big issue. Perhaps the fact that there is an end date and I am not trying to give it up forever makes the difference? You are absolutely right that if I can do it for 21 days, the techniques that I use to do that should make it easier to do a few alcohol free days during the week. I don't seem to crave alcohol at all during a cleanse, though. It is crazy.

The good thing about doing a cleanse is that much of the mindfulness about eating carries on after the cleanse. I will spend more time on meal planning and preparation after the cleanse. The same does not seem to hold true when it comes to drinking, however. For some reason after a cleanse I tend to binge on alcohol and my consumption goes up. I was stymied by that, always disappointed that I couldn't moderate my drinking and carry on better drinking habits. I didn't realize until I went back through several years worth of journals, how significant the increase in my alcohol intake was after each 21 day or longer cleanse. Until I read The Cure book, I did not know about ADE but it certainly seems to apply to my past experience.

My greatest goal is to not have that craving any more. UKB says that it took her 8 months to get to that point. I can wait 8 months. I have been inching slowly forward and I just don't want to do anything to put me back to square one.

Thanks for all your input. You have given me a lot to think about.

Deena,

Maybe when you do that cleanse your lack of sugar keeps the al. cravings at bay. It is just a thought, for there is a lot of sugar in al.

Jaba

Dunno how it affects Deena but for me binge on sugary stuff always premptied a drinking session after a period of abstenance. I could set my clock by it.

Thanks to everyone for your input about this situation. Today is day one of my cleanse. I am not planing on the entire 21 day cleanse with my friends, but will, at the very least, do ten days.

I have actually been dreaming about sneaking alcohol again and have awakened anxious and scared. I have an incredible fear of the ADE and have to acknowledge it. So, I have decided that once or twice during the cleanse I will take the nal and have one glass of wine. Once I made that decision I could feel the fear melt away and I am looking forward to nurturing myself with great food and treatments such as long walks, saunas, and time set aside for meditation and reflection.

Once again, your support is invaluable to me. I am in awe of the kindness shown here. Thank you.

that sounds like a very pragmatic approach. hope the cleanse goes well for you Deena

Deena,

It sounds like a plan, and you may be surprise with the results. I think you having a plan to drink a small glass of wine during this cleanse will not hurt you at all, and it may help you with TSM. I know for me once I decide I had the control over the al. and I wasn't going to let it control me any more things changed.

I think those dreams are your subconscious trying to let go of the past and your worries about not being able to let them go. I do not think you have to worry about ADE, for you are never going to drink without the nal. and the nal. will help you have that control.

I am jealous that you are doing this, and could you let me know what program you follow (is it a book, or a website) for I think I could use some cleansing.

Jaba

Happy cleanse, Deena!! It sounds wonderful and you are inspiring me. When I did it before I started right after Thanksgiving and did I want to say 18 days. It was a great thing to do to combat the excesses of the holiday season. May just do the same again this year.

XOXO

Newlife, I did a whole 30 in January this year and I think it was perfect timing after the holidays. I so felt like I needed it and it made me feel great. I felt that it did more for me than when I do one in the spring.

Jaba, I used to do the cleanses through a local wellness center and I don't follow a certain book, although I do think that Dr. Mark Hyman has a good book out about cleansing. I have done them so many times that I just do them on my own or with a group of friends now. I start each cleanse day with lemon in warm water and then drink lots of water throughout the day. I eat organic whole foods only, nothing processed. I eat lots of veggies, fruits, and healthy fats such as avocado or coconut oil. I cut out caffeine, alcohol, grains, flours, soy, sugar, and dairy. It is actually quite easy if you plan ahead and have all the good stuff on hand.

Deena,

I wish I could give up caffeine, but I have been drinking coffee since I have been 10. I keep on telling my kids that I will give it up when they have a detox center for it . I have cut it down a lot since I have been doing TSM, for coffee just doesn't taste the same.

I will have to look at Dr. Mark Hyman's book, that sound interesting. I wasn't sure if you were doing the HCG diet, for I have know some people that have done that, but it sounds like you are doing something completely different.

Jaba