Hi Newlife: I was surprised it took 14 months to get to this point. It wasn't always effortless - over the last few months, I've had AF days, but never a lot strung together. It's getting easier the longer I don't need to take the NAL - that alone seems to do wonders for my mood! Be kind to yourself!
Best wishes,
Tweed

Tweed - my thoughts going into this over a year ago, were that I would like to have the odd drink now and then once I had the problem sorted - but since feeling 'cured', the choice between abstaining and being a light social drinker has been taken out of my hands - I just do not want to drink at all - I will think about it now and then but just cannot bring myself to have one - just don't want it ..... so do not even worry about how or what you will do - you might find the decision is made for you,

Hugs, Maggie xx

Hi Maggie: I think you may be right....I had some wine last night and woke feeling rotten this morning. So...no joy from the wine and
consequences to face today! It truly is not worth it!
Best wishes,
Tweed

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Jaba, it might be useful to start a diary about this and scrutinize the front end of the process instead. Turn off all distractions, electronic devices in your immediate space, just tune into your feelings and the drink. Notice what you're feeling prior to taking the Nal, prior to pouring the drink, while drinking, write it down. Take your time and take it all in. You may be responding to anxiety or stress and it could well be your striatum is responding with a pattern/habit as it's idea of a remedy to the situation. That part of your brain knows no logic, no good or bad. It's not a conscious part of the brain, it's more like a collection of recordings. It will, by default, pop up and move you to do what you've done in the past in a similar situation. The genesis may well be due to your emotional state more around the beginning of the behavior.

I haven't posted for a long while, but it is all good! It took over two years, but I am now in a place where I rarely drink (maybe a couple of times a month) and never to excess. If you are just starting out, stick with it - it does work. I am so grateful that I found the book and this site, and a doctor who was willing to try this with me. He now tells me that he would recommend this to other patients who are struggling with alcoholism. Love to all!

Fantastic, Tweed! Congratulations on finally getting this beast under your thumb!

If you feel like it, swing by http://optionssavelives.freeforums.net/ and post there too.

Tweed - I am SO happy to hear of your success. It must get so discouraging when it takes so long - I thought it took ages with me and yet it really wasn't that bad, but when we want it to work so badly, it gets hard! I am so pleased that you posted though because for those who are struggling with wondering if it will ever work, it really does help when they read posts like yours - ChrisB took over two years and I know when I read HER post, I was buoyed up again!

HUGS, Maggie x