anyone on nal/tsm

[thomas m]

anyone on nal/tsm

spuddleduck;1608019 wrote: ha ha bkyoga, think it may be another couple of weeks before I become supermodel,duck,, hmm superduck, I like that. Actually I do feel a bit superduck today, all in all I achieved all I wanted to, had a bloomin good walk and swerved a drink and took nal in case so yeppedidee to me.
a thought about the funeral drinking, a half truth I have used in difficult situations such as this is that im not drinking as im feeling a bit emotional about it all and don't want to drink and get upset. for me it is a sort of truth as people who know me know I often end up a snot slinging (love it), upset tearful drunk. so as its a funeral that would be a good get out of drinking (why the hell do we have to make excuses for refusing to drink the poison).
funnily enough skull I did as you suggested once and got away with it. as it was sparkling af juice I was drinking it pretty quickly, people presumed I was necking the wine and it was commented how 'tipsy' I was...... oh really, that was a real eye opener, heres me thinking I cant socialise sober.
although Im not joining in on the sober January im popping in and keeping an eye on you lot over on the thread and cheering you all the way

The funeral thing is always a killer. Especially an Irish one. Your treated like a pariah if you say your not having a drink. Same with Christenings:no: And weddings

[MusicCreationer]

anyone on nal/tsm

What is TSM.. I know what nAL is .. but what is TSM? Thank you ;-)

[bkyogagurl]

anyone on nal/tsm

Superduck! That is exactly what you are! Thanks for supporting us on the AF thread you are such a sweetie pie! You are motivating me a lot with your swerves as well. Sp proud of you.

I have gotten a lot of great input on ways to handle the funeral so I will think about them and see what comes up when I get there. I am feeling really disgusted with drinking right now so I am hoping that it will carry me thru. I have put on a few pounds thru the holidays and I'm ready to get rid of them. I can't do that drinking. Or eating ice cream... HA! I have really enjoyed my 4 sober days and look forward to more. Could this be it? I hope so.
I doubt my run with alcohol is over but I'm feeling strong and I'm going to go with that. I know once I get back in the gym and running I will get sidetracked with that until some emotional happening bugs me.
I noticed I have been thinking about things I feel I have done wrong in life that doesn't necessarily have any thing to do with alcohol. Don't worry it's not drastic just things like I wish I would have been a more patience mother when the kids were littler... Not been so bitchy. I sometimes wonder if I had post partum depression too. I have a really good relationship with my kids now so I have to consider that too. I have to face these things and feel them and let them go. I did the best I could at that time and am an ever evolving person with a good heart and soul.

I think these feelings can stem from self worth and lack of it. Never feeling good enough. Another thing I want to work on.

Baby steps again... I think I will join you Spud in being a super model seems easier than working all this shit...

My oldest son just walked in and asked me what I was doing and I said writing about what a horrible mom I was when you were little... His response was "Good job- a little self therapy to help me thru the pain":H he is sorta of a smart but funny ass.. He makes me laugh. He and I once were talking about this same subject and he told me "Mom- if you didn't do all the things you did when I was little I might not be who I am today" .... Sniff sniff... I love that kid.

Thanks for reading and just letting me talk. You Rock :huggy:

Thomas- sometimes I feel very Irish HA!

[spuddleduck]

anyone on nal/tsm

ive really started looking forward to coming here and checking on all our progress (or not, in that's the case).
musiccreationer, tsm is 'the Sinclair method'. to put it simply, you take naltrexone 1 hour (at least) before you drink. results vary but in general, people drink slower and less as the 'buzz' from alcohol is lessened. in time our brains are reprogrammed to not crave alcohol. Sorry this isn't a brilliant description. ukblonde is our resident expert so hopefully she will pop by and explain better, or you could check out her progress thread here in the meds section.
bkyoga, thanks for your kind words, im delighted if any of my swerves and ramblings are helping you. now theres a good motivational technique, keep swerving as its helping someone else.... ill do my best. sounds like this sober motivated you is taking time to work through past issues. now although I am the worlds worst at following this advice I do know its not helpful to dwell too much on things that are passed that you cant change (serenity prayer of course). though for me it can be good to review these situations to see how I behaved and what I have learned about how I could perhaps behave differently in the future (not sure if that made sense but I know what I mean). as for your parenting, your sweet son has got it right. as you know I have issues with my childhood and have often moaned about things to mr spud. he says exactly the same thing that I wouldn't be who I am today if I hadn't had the childhood I had. now im talking in circles here, im not for one minute saying you are like my dad and im sure you were a good mother. I hope you know what I mean. and for all the issues I may have now, deep down I know im a decent person (just happen to be a bit alcoholic with all the crap that comes with it). think ive just excelled my self in the waffling department.
back to the funeral thing, Thomas is probably right about how you may be viewed. perhaps you could use the old faithful 'cant drink cos im on tablets/antibiotics or something'. surely even the most hardened drinker would want you to drink if that was the case. you may even get some sympathy for being poorly and not being able to join in and enjoy the wonderful booze.
im really pleased I swerved the booze yesterday as I now have a super sober sunday with no hangover. not a particularly nice day here but I intend getting outside, doing jobs in garden and taking dog for a good walk. ive got her on a diet and exercise regime as she is looking a bit tubby so we are helping each other. I SHALL NOT BE DRINKING TODAY

[skullbabyland]

anyone on nal/tsm

spuddleduck;1607934 wrote: a healthier, more active me so I don't want to waste a day with a hangover which is almost inevitable when I drink.

This is me to a tee. My hangovers last 3 or 4 days now, if you include all the anxiety and depression that comes with it.... it's pretty hellish. Being active really does make such a difference...

[skullbabyland]

anyone on nal/tsm

Duck, BK- so great that you are both rocking an AF weekend!!! Well done. Sunday mornings are pretty great when sober, not hungover huh? The mornings can be such a time of gratitude and optimism. Super big smile on my face right now!

Keep up the exercise, too- it really does help and the momentum will begin a snowball effect if you keep it up for a few weeks (21 days, I've read, and it will become much more ingrained). Also, not sure if you guys know, but there does seem to be some correllation between sugar and alcohol. Alcohol is metabolized as sugar in the body (as is bread/carbs). Too much sugar in the body can lead to alcohol cravings, and vice versa, so it's good to look at this. There's a sugar-free thread and rollcall count on MWO (in the health section I think, or maybe in general discussion?) Look around for it if you're interested, I post there daily as I find that being SF (sugar free) helps with sobriety as well as general health (and that supermodel thing that we're after )

Yep, good ol' Skullbaby is sugar free, gluten free, alcohol free, and now cigarette free. Gee, I must be a lot of fun at parties (rolls eyes) LOL

PS the threads I mentioned have posts about sweets to replace sugar- treats sweetened with natural stevia, fruits, dark chocolate, etc that can be used to satisfy a sweet tooth craving. Even ice cream and such. Going sugar free is not as hard as it sounds at first and your body and mind will LOVE you for it.

OK back to Nal/TSM, hope you guys didn't mind that temporary diversion...

As for the funeral, BK, totally hear you on that. There's a book called "Lying" by Sam Harris that explores well the concepts you mentioned, of being ultimately truthful. It's a really good read about personal truth and being open and honest, that really spoke to me. Also in that same theme is the First Agreement, "Always be impeccable with your Word", from the great book "The Four Agreements".

Ultimately, anyone who pressures you to drink with them is doing so to soothe themselves- misery loves company. Or, just people drinking love company. It's a good exercise to stand up for yourself firmly- have a plan that you commit to, don't just wing it and hope for the best. You could say "I'm not drinking today, period. It's not good for me right now."

BTW, you all are doing GREAT. So cool to hear about your AF weekend. Keep it up!

[YouKayBee]

anyone on nal/tsm

skullbabyland;1608415 wrote: Duck, BK- so great that you are both rocking an AF weekend!!! Well done. Sunday mornings are pretty great when sober, not hungover huh? The mornings can be such a time of gratitude and optimism. Super big smile on my face right now!

Keep up the exercise, too- it really does help and the momentum will begin a snowball effect if you keep it up for a few weeks (21 days, I've read, and it will become much more ingrained). Also, not sure if you guys know, but there does seem to be some correllation between sugar and alcohol. Alcohol is metabolized as sugar in the body (as is bread/carbs). Too much sugar in the body can lead to alcohol cravings, and vice versa, so it's good to look at this. There's a sugar-free thread and rollcall count on MWO (in the health section I think, or maybe in general discussion?) Look around for it if you're interested, I post there daily as I find that being SF (sugar free) helps with sobriety as well as general health (and that supermodel thing that we're after )

Yep, good ol' Skullbaby is sugar free, gluten free, alcohol free, and now cigarette free. Gee, I must be a lot of fun at parties (rolls eyes) LOL

PS the threads I mentioned have posts about sweets to replace sugar- treats sweetened with natural stevia, fruits, dark chocolate, etc that can be used to satisfy a sweet tooth craving. Even ice cream and such. Going sugar free is not as hard as it sounds at first and your body and mind will LOVE you for it.

OK back to Nal/TSM, hope you guys didn't mind that temporary diversion...

As for the funeral, BK, totally hear you on that. There's a book called "Lying" by Sam Harris that explores well the concepts you mentioned, of being ultimately truthful. It's a really good read about personal truth and being open and honest, that really spoke to me. Also in that same theme is the First Agreement, "Always be impeccable with your Word", from the great book "The Four Agreements".

Ultimately, anyone who pressures you to drink with them is doing so to soothe themselves- misery loves company. Or, just people drinking love company. It's a good exercise to stand up for yourself firmly- have a plan that you commit to, don't just wing it and hope for the best. You could say "I'm not drinking today, period. It's not good for me right now."

BTW, you all are doing GREAT. So cool to hear about your AF weekend. Keep it up!

I have no problem saying I don't drink, said firmly it usually puts most people off and plenty of people don't drink alcohol, you've just not registered them yet.

If anyone pushed or tries to take the piss I tell them how ill it made me, usually at least puts them off or gets a lot of respect.

BK you might find others who aren't drinking the funeral, you could end up having a really nice chat and getting to know someone else.

[spuddleduck]

anyone on nal/tsm

[QUOTE=skullbabyland;1608415]Duck, BK- so great that you are both rocking an AF weekend!!! Well done. Sunday mornings are pretty great when sober, not hungover huh? The mornings can be such a time of gratitude and optimism. Super big smile on my face right now!

ha ha, what's a sunday morning then. only joking, but seriously im not doing too well at seeing much of the morning... but I don't care too much as at least im not seeing the morning sober. wehey

[spuddleduck]

anyone on nal/tsm

skullbaby, thanks for the reminders about exercise. I've always enjoyed exercising so its good to be getting it back in my life and I hope to be able to keep it up. as for the sugar, well im diabetic (type one, insulin injections) so I keep my sugar intake down. I read quite a lot here about sugar issues and how it is processed etc and I wonder how diabetes affects this. I try to keep my diabetes under control but I can go from very high blood sugar to very low (hypo) levels. in the time I have been here I have only come across a couple of diabetics so Ive not really been able to discuss it with anyone here.
again today I have achieved everything I set out to do, including NOT DRINKING. im keeping up with my activity goals on my fitbit gadget so im feeling positive. I almost feel I could go a good af stretch but im not even attempting to commit to anything at the moment, just going with the flow. its mr spuds birthday this month so chances are we will be celebrating with a drink of poison.

[spuddleduck]

anyone on nal/tsm

[QUOTE=skullbabyland;1608415]Duck, BK- so great that you are both rocking an AF weekend!!! Well done. Sunday mornings are pretty great when sober, not hungover huh? The mornings can be such a time of gratitude and optimism. Super big smile on my face right now!

ha ha, what's a sunday morning then. only joking, but seriously im not doing too well at seeing much of the morning... but I don't care too much as at least im not seeing the morning sober. wehey

[spuddleduck]

anyone on nal/tsm

whoops.. dozyduck. don't know how that double post happened

[bkyogagurl]

anyone on nal/tsm

Be in touch in the morn... Trying to get to bed early.

[spuddleduck]

anyone on nal/tsm

although im not counting days, im feeling pretty damn pleased with myself as today will be 6 days af and before new year eve i had 6 days af. if i can keep to this level at a minimum im happy for the time being, and of course ALWAYS TAKE NAL WHEN I DRINK . being aware of being 6 days af will absolutely not give me an excuse to drink (doing well, have a drink ,NOT). we have lodgers in the house during the week so i try to keep drinking to the weekend as i tend to get a bit noisy when im pissed..... i must go deaf as i like music up very loud.

bkyoga, i don't know if you noticed over on the sober January thread. another great excuse for not drinking. on a strict diet trying to lose some weight/get fit.... perfectly acceptable at this time of year. loads of people do this kind of thing in January and you will be admired for your strength at sticking to your diet (if only they knew). Also people may be more aware of your problems with drink than you think. you know we always think we are the life and soul of the party when pissed but we don't know how others view us. maybe people will be pleased for you that you are not drinking. having said this i do like ukb's technique of just tell it as it is.

[bkyogagurl]

anyone on nal/tsm

:yay: for you Superduck~ DAY 6 AF for me too! :happy:

Isn't it strange how we seem to always be on the same page????:l Completely different countries too.

Are you going to be a closet sober person? :H Funny too... I love to turn up the music when I am pissed(or drunk) the last time I got drunk I had the music up til 3 am. I often wonder what my neighbors must think?
I am trying to be healthy and lose weight. I officially weighed in this am at 145lbs.
:boohoo: I am tall enough to support this weight but I do love being slender. Plus I can feel it in my joints when running when I am heavier. So I may NOT being lying when I say I'm not drinking due to fitness. I have done this several times before so my friends are aware and somewhat understanding.

Also people may be more aware of your problems with drink than you think. you know we always think we are the life and soul of the party when pissed but we don't know how others view us. maybe people will be pleased for you that you are not drinking.

Very good point... something I haven't necessarily thought about.. and completely resonates with me. Maybe people don't really enjoy me as much as I think they do when I am drinking. Very very good point.

I am enjoying my AF days so much right now its hard to think I will return to getting drunk. I would hope that my body will reject the thought. Back a few years ago, When I was running alot and eating really well I wouldn't consider being hungover in the morning because I could not stand missing my workouts. I would drink maybe 3-4 a week to be social then that would be it. I did not like to drink because I felt fat afterward. I hope that feeling returns very soon.... very very soon.

Thanks Spud for being my partner in crime... I truly believe that you starting this thread and your unconditional support has lended me a new start. I feel connected here and supported by UK too. Couldn't be doing this without her. Honorable mention as well... Skull you too... thanks for being there.
I feel more solid than I have felt in a long time.

I don't want to leave anyone because everyone who posts and answers PM's have been essential to my progress.
:groupluv:

[spuddleduck]

anyone on nal/tsm

bkyoga, sounds like you're in a good place and im very pleased if this thread has helped you. its certainly helped me having you around. as you say we do seem to on the same page and have similar goals and issues.
coming here and starting with nal I have not had any major plans to stay af long term at the moment, just trying to wind it in and keep with the nal programme. as it turns out though I am feeling like getting some good af time strung together. today the motivation that kept me from drinking was my weighing scales. they say bad things about me (all lies of course). being January its the traditional time to focus on fitness and weight loss so im happy to go along with the flow. it also helps that mr spud hasn't been drinking and I haven't felt to stressed about anything.
So today was no al and no nal. that's good enough for me.

####Are you going to be a closet sober person? Funny too... I love to turn up the music when I am pissed(or drunk) the last time I got drunk I had the music up til 3 am.###

by pissed I meant drunk. I forget that pissed is also used to mean pissed off.

AND YES, MAYBE I WILL BE A CLOSET SOBER PERSON... I like the idea of that. now whats the opposite of a 'bender' (as in an extended period of drinking). perhaps it could be called a swerver, as that's what I feel ive been doing the last few days.... swerving a drink/drunk.

I know tsm says drink as normal and it may appear im not drinking as normal, but I now consider fighting a drink as normal and I certainly don't want to go back to daily or even every other day drinking so ill just carry on with this 'swerver' for now