Well, my first week went really well. I was at about 50% of my normal beer intake. During the second week, my intake went up to almost what it was pre nal. It's just that it's such a habit to open up another beer. I have an appt. with an addiction specialist next month, so maybe she'll have some useful advice.

Hi Billy. I'm sure you've seen this is pretty normal, as the brain is basically trying to relive the Pre-TSM rush of endorphins by making you drink more and more until it gets what it wants. It's trying to compensate for the lack of rush by increasing the alcohol intake and soon it will learn that this doesn't work. I have the same issue where one day I'll drink between one and four beers and not crave, or even be able to drink, anymore. Then suddenly I find myself drinking 10 in one night over several hours. I think this is pretty common actually...

NDF has it right, Billy. Seems to be par for the course. You can hit back with mindfulness, stop in between and ask if you really want the next one, put the drink back in the fridge for a bit, even for 10 or 15 minutes and do something else. Don't keep the drink with you or at least don't keep it in your hand. That sort of thing, you may find your own "trick" that works for you. It's nothing but looking for a "soft spot" in the habit that the Nal has uncovered, a weakness in the routine that you can exploit.

I agree that you're off to a pretty typical start. anytime you can DELAY that first drink will help you as well. good luck and Nal on!

thanks guys! I'm going to make this work.

Bill it is definitely a roller coaster but it works. Do not beat your self up if you have a few to many as long as you took your pill an hour before starting. That is the beauty of the TSM. Even if you overdo it - there is not a problem. Unless you get hit with the dreaded NAL over and have to spend a day or two in bed.