I'm in week two, have gotten over my (horrible) side effects and am back to normal. I am noticing a pretty good decrease in craving and consumption, could be just the honeymoon effect, but I'm hopeful it's already working. Bought a bottle of Irish Whiskey last night and looked at it this morning, barely touched it. Previously would have tried to finish it. My wife is doing well, also, we're both on the same page (although she didn't have side effects). My question is, does anyone know of any success stories that occurred without tracking diaries? I'm just not that organized and don't want to turn this into a chore unless I have to. I feel fully committed to TSM and find it easy to comply, so what is the real advantage of the diary? The book seems to suggest that since rats don't keep diaries, it's not imperative for humans. Thoughts?

Hi Jimi, You don't HAVE to keep a dairy. I do not per se but, I think it is important that you at least have "some" idea of your' total consumption daily, or whenever that may be. I find it a little difficult myself as I believe "bingers" like myself, are not always able to be very accurate. But on the other hand, we all know pretty much HOW MUCH we drink when we do. I find it easier to come here & sort of write in :progress" reports about let's say last nite I had 6 glasses of wine. I will sort of report that. And the next binge I will report that.
Most people on the board are really good & precise at tracking & so forth, so they appreciate it when they can come on board & see the progress others are making. It's kind of comforting to see. Especially if YOU'RE having a bad day! Makes ya feel good.
Just my thoughts,
JANE

The first (and only) rule of fight club: Take a Naltrexone one hour before drinking.

You don't have to keep track of your drinking. But for most people it's probably very useful. Why? Because it is a reality check. Human nature is prone to self-deceit. Without hard documentation, our mind can and will play games and convince you in anything you subconsciously want to be convinced. Drinking "diary" allows you to evaluate your drinking more rationally.

Agreed with Nutella. In my opinion it is important to keep a diary to track your progress. It's not very difficult to simply write down how much you drink each day in a note pad or whatever and add it up once a week or month.

However, strictly speaking, I guess it is not essential. The NAL will still work regardless.

>"don't want to turn this into a chore"

no offense, but you're starting a treatment that may actually cure or at least control the biggest problem in many people's lives. I think that's worth the pretty minimal hassle of writing down how much you drink every day.

Boy, we're all so different! I'm cured and never kept track at all. I'm just not built that way and I thought if I had to do that I'd quit!!!

I think those who are bent that way can track, make graphs and charts and measure away to their hearts content, but if you're like me and can't stand tracking anything, then DON'T.

It's pretty easy to see a decrease in your drinking isn't it? Look at the bottle. Is it empty? Well, you drank it. Case closed. Is the bottle half full this week? Well, guess what, your consumption is down.

In my case I have not had a drink in ages and don't really want one bad enough to suffer the headache. I know that without having to get the calendar out and see how many days it's been. Cured.

And please don't someone flame me because I wasn't polite enough!!! I have a big smile on my puss right now and I LOVE you all, ok?

Good points, all, no argument here, but Notorious BHG gets me. Very reassuring, thanks.

good stuff whichever path you choose, good luck with it.

JIMI This is your diary.

I don't keep one but this forum has kept me in check.

Be active and check in daily,...or at least once a week. I'm psycho so you can see for a lot of time I checked in daily. Good News. WE DON't CARE!

We just want you to laugh and suffer/enjoy the road to the TSM cure. Some are there,...I am not.....My Best,...Jim