Hello all. I know its been while since I've checked in. I started Nal on Feb. 8 2016. The first month I cut back on my beer consumption pretty good. I was starting to feel good about TSM, but since I have went back to almost as much as I was pre Nal. I've seen a therapist a couple of times, but she hasn't helped at all. I don't know what to do.

Billy

hi Billy
Glad you came back here. Sorry things aren't working out. Are you keeping accurate records? How much Nal are you taking an hour before drinking ? 50mg?
MD

Hey MD. I'm taking 50mgs an hour before drinking. I also keep count of my beers.

Hi Billy!

It's pretty common for your drinking to drop at first, then climb back up. It should roll off from here, perhaps somewhat more slowly than the initial drop.

Just to cover the bases, are you taking any other meds?

Also, take a look at what Joanna writes about mindful drinking here:

http://optionssavelives.freeforums.net/ ... hints-tips

Something else I do that's helped quite a bit is to take a sip, then get the drink out of my sight. If you do have it close, don't hold it in your hand. In between sips, get up to some little task, something fairly short. See if you're ok without another sip, then knock out some other little task, research something on the web, etc. and let that space between sips grow. I've managed to double and triple the amount of time a beer will last like that.

Hey Billy
I would second what JSP says- everything he says. He is very wise!
I also would suggest that since youre going to see a counsellor,you are thinking about why you drink. Is that right?

. I know I have lots of deep rooted emotional issues that I have tried to solve through drinking so really understanding that drinking doesnt help and in fact makes it far worse has helped me to control my drinking too.

Are you still getting the BUZZ from the drink? I know I recognised immediately that nal took away that great buzzy feeling so that made it easier for me to drop back. Just stay in touch on the Board- People here will help you.

MD

Billy you are very early days yet - it took me 11 months before I was 'cured'. It sounds as if you did have a honeymoon period, where your intake went down, which is very common - and then for it to go back up, but not often, to the Pre Nal intake level! It is really good if you keep a log of your intake as that way you can see that your intake is actually going down - just keep taking the nal at least an hour before you drink, every time. You might want to think about having the odd AF day too - do not force them as in white knuckling, but try and have one if you can. Sometimes it is just the habit that stops us from having them - I know it was really hard for me to have them initially. And keep posting here if you can as that helped me enormously too.....

Hugs, Maggie

thank you guys. I will stay in touch. yes MD, my therapist had me write all the reasons I drink down. I haven't seen her since though. I have an appointment with her next week. I think i'll try not having as many beers in the fridge from now on. I just have to drink the beers I have.

thank you all for your help

you're still in the early stages, Billy and your experience is pretty typical. stay the course and keep taking the Nal an hour before drinking. AF days are a great idea if you can sneak one in every week. and keeping fewer beers in the house can really help you. for me it was not keeping wine in the house (only beer) and it really lowered my numbers. good luck!

my therapist did tell me to increase my anti anxiety medicine. don't know if that has anything to do with it. thank you all for your support.

What anti anxiety med are you on, Billy? Benzodiazepines and TSM don't mix well.