Virgil,

I am new to TSM and trudging through the posts day by day. I have just now read your progress. While I have no answers as to why you have maintained 100 units I applaud your perserverance, and respect you emmensely. I can't tell you how good it feels to see someone continue on a path for as long as you have and feeling like you have seen no results. You must feel something....some change?

Anyway, I just wanted to say that I think you are an incredible person, and that I am proud of you for never giving up.

Because of your dedication, you will succeed! You will also help many others along the way!

xo

Yes Virgil, I don't say it enough: your tenacity is a real inspiration. (Oh yes, and your stalwartness. . .can't forget that!)

I also wonder if you feel/act differently when drinking on Nal than you did previously? That's the first sign I had that at some level this stuff is working for me.

Hi Christy,

What can I say? I am bowled over by your words of support - thank you.

With reference to "You must feel something....some change?", the only thing I've noticed whilst on TSM is that I feel the effects of alcohol more quickly. So, prior to TSM, I would not feel the effects of the first glass of wine and possibly not even the second glass. Now that I'm on TSM, I notice the effects of alcohol after the first glass but it rapidly subsides so that I end up drinking much the same as pre-TSM. Other than that, no change.

Thanks again.

All the best.

V.

Hi G4M,

Thanks for your kind words.

With reference to your second paragraph, please see my reply to Christy above.

All the best.

V.

Hi Folks,

So, I've just completed week 15 on TSM and I'm beginning to run out of steam. I'm also starting to feel bad as (understandably) people would much rather read about success stories than the failures. But, I can only report it as it is. And, I do think it's important that everyone gets a balanced view. So, I'm torn between reporting my 'progress' and not reporting my 'progress'. I could, of course, refrain from reporting completely until such time as I get an inkling that something positive is happening - but I'm not really happy with that option.

At this stage, I have to accept that my taking a benzo is almost certainly what is hindering my progress. Unfortunately, I still have many weeks to go before I take my last dose of clonazepam. So, please bear with me, people. If you're making good progress, that's great and it's testimony to The Sinclair Method. I'm still waiting for that day to come.

All the best to everyone!

V.

Your perseverence is an inspiration, Virgil - I'm so glad you're not throwing in the towel. Having to titrate off benzos while at the same time trying to kick alcohol's butt out the door certainly can't be easy. We're with you for the long haul and, like you, have faith that one day you're going to begin noticing a change. Hang in there (here)!

Hey Virgil --

Keep your chin up! All I can do is reiterate what has been said so well above: you are a high-level drinker which means a longer recovery time, you are about where SR was when he was frustrated, and, as so many others have reported when they were feeling down -- CLICK -- the light switch of success was triggered, seemingly out of no where. (Re-read Bob3d's posts -- he was really down for a while and then, seemingly out of no where, he saw "something happening here" and he's in the Benzo group too.)

You absolutely have no reason to apologize for your lack of progress. This board should be about ONE THING above all else: HONESTY. We are all anonymous and there is absolutely no reason whatsoever to offer up anything but the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth here. I look at it this way: we are all unique. Hopefully, there will be many people following us here on this board. And it is very likely we'll have some guys in your demographic, with a similar drinking history and a similar psychiatric history. Just think of how beneficial an honest charting of your progress will serve others similarly-situated. ESPECIALLY when you reach the day of "CLICK." So many others can and will find inspiration from your travails.

It must absolutely SUCK watching so much progress and not experiencing it yourself. It's kind of like you are on a sports team, your team has just won the championship, but you missed out on it because of an injury -- you watch the celebration and can't help but feeling empty inside. This will make your ultimate victory THAT MUCH SWEETER my friend!

Hang in there and stay real! We are all rooting for you.

Nick

Hi Virgil,

Everything Nick said is true, and in my heart I just know you'll make it in the long run. I think of you often, and can't wait until the day you see some positive results. Your patience is truly admirable, and serves as an inspiration to us all. Since TSM is so new, we may find down the road that unique situations might require a modified approach. In Dr. Eskapa's response to one of my questions (about some people requiring a higher dose of Naltrexone), he said it's possible, and was definitely true of other addictions, such as gambling. However, I think your choice to stick to the standard dosage for now is probably wise, until the benzo issue is eliminated.

So, who knows? We're pioneers here, and there's a lot of unchartered territory we have to explore, where "no man/woman has gone before". If your current path doesn't get you there, I'm sure there are many alternate routes to try. But no matter what, your particulary unique set of circumstances could be especially important to future TSM warriors who struggle with similar issues. You will be their shining example when you declare victory!

Dear Virgil -- We depend on you to be honest even when it is painful -- for you who are reporting your experience and for us, because we wish you well. So, thank you for having the courage to continue to report.

SpringerRider, if you are "watching over us", please pop in and remind our Virgil that you had your period of grave doubt just at the point where he is now.

Virgil, you have invested time and mental energy into this process and I trust you will stay right with us. We'll certainly stay right with you for as long as it takes.

Yeah Virgil , listen to all that sound sense and solid support .
I'm dropping in to pay my respects too , respect for your tenacity that will
not be unrewarded one way or another but I believe you'll get the big surprise you wish for . Repetition about the four/six month thing although repetitious has to be borne in mind because its simply factual all the more so with your particular profile ,. But in the meantime If the act of coming here frequently is demoralizing you'd be quite right to take a break and /or even send someone a PM
- another option .
The schema therapy will proove more beneficial than the benzos in the long run
but phase in to take the relay which should be refreshing . I hope that's going well by the way .i'm glad you'll continue with tsm be it 6 or more months , but don't whatever you do reconsider that .
All the best to you , hope to see you soon .
Elfern .