Gosh retread that's a scary situation. There's nothing like looking death square in the face, surviving, and moving on with a new outlook on life though isn't it.

I made it through the 4th as well. I'd usually be slammed by the time we even went out to the parties. As a habit I had one before we left to go to a friends party, this group of friends happen to be spelunkers and a heavy drinking crowd, and then ended up having 3 more that night over a period of about 6 hours. I never got above .08BAC and was able to even drive home! That would have been impossible even one month ago.

The fourth is always a huge trigger.

It's interesting isn't it. The alcohol still does something and it's not at all unpleasant in fact it's kind of nice and relaxing but at least for me any way the chase is gone so what's the point in drinking so much more?

Good luck and carry on.

Wow, retread, not drinking, on the 4th, that is huge!! Good for you.

I did drink, however, I did NOT get drunk. I had a glass of wine during the day. It was my daughter's 15th birthday, so instead of fireworks we actually went out for a nice dinner. I had a martini pre-dinner and a glass of wine with dinner. Then about two hours later I had another glass of wine.

So yes, that is 4 drinks, but over about a twelve hour period of time. I wouldn't want to do it every day, but there was no black out, no embarrassing behavior, only a pleasant time.

The next day was Sunday and we decided to go to the beach. I had I think three drink throughout the day there, well spaced out. Never felt intoxicated. However, the next day, Monday, I felt awful........hungover. I don't know if the nal contributes to it, but it was like my liver was saying......you may be doing better, but it still isn't enough. So yesterday was AF.

So I am still not where I want to be, not where you are retread, but there has been a change. For that I am grateful.

Nal on!! XOXO Newlife

Newlife - I so know what you mean about the liver saying you may be doing better but it isn't enough! I have felt more unwell since I started Nal than in the past few years! Haven't felt well today and have not had a drink for three days ! But have been taking AB - I have to give my body a rest from it tomorrow.

I think that yes you did well over the 4th weekend - as you said your drinks were well spaced out .... and you did not get drunk. I find what you did - that when you feel ill, it makes the next day SO easy to be AF ! I do think we are making headway - it is just so darn slow .....

Hugs, Maggie x

here's to getting that darn holiday behind us!

Yes, but we ARE doing better. But slow yes, it is WAY TOO SLOWWW. Good night all, newline

Ha! I've spent my entire life wasted over the Independence Day holidays, and hung over until at least the Wednesday after.

But not this year!

Thanks for a reminder of what life was like before TSM, and why I am so lucky I am cured, even though I don't realize it much any more.

Hi Maggie and Everyone, Last week was a breakthrough of sorts. 5 AF days and 13 units total. I'm finally learning that drinking has changed. I go through the motions but don't enjoy it. I can pretty much go AF at will now, although the fact that there are still drinking days means I'm not out of the woods......yet. Don't get discouraged Maggie. I'm almost 9 months in now, and I still have reversal of intent on some days I set out to go AF. I know there are exceptions but I think generally the longer you drink the longer it takes TSM to fully reverse the addiction. I drank heavily for over 40 years so if I'm cured in one year (mid October) I'm good with that result.
All the Best,
Retread

Thanks for the post, retread, I needed it. I am happy for you. XOXO Newlife

This post has given me hope......I am struggling to go 1 AF day......

Applause!