I wouldn't be physically where I am today if I hadn't found TSM. Instead of sitting at my computer typing this, I'd most likely still be in bed recovering from a massive hangover and feigning food poisoning or a sinus infection.
Where I am mentally is another part of the story. TSM is helping me to rediscover myself by allowing my brain to think more clearly than I have in years as the alcohol induced depression and anxiety is lifting. I'm finding myself smiling, less prone to dark thoughts, more able to enjoy the moment and finding peace where previously I found isolation.
My journey has so far been easier than I had anticipated. Before I took my first dose of Naltrexone, I thought it would be impossible to decrease my drinking level. I certainly had great hope that it would work but believed it would only come with great sacrifice and pain. It hasn't at all. Instead it has brought relief, given me power and restored my dignity.
My (end of 4 weeks) drink log fills me with joy. Apart from reading everything I can about TSM (the Sinclair Method) and Naltrexone and the work of Ms Claudia Christian and the C Three Foundation, I owe much of my success to being actively involved with the Options Saves Lives forum.
I wrote the following to a fellow forum member today and thought that maybe it would be of use to readers of my blog too...
"Triggers...or what drives you to over drinking. They hold the power over you and drive you to pour another or open another.
For me it was to relieve anger, disappointment, resentment. I've always felt that my husband has it so good and that I do everything and get nothing. The last ten years especially as I then became depressed and anxious to the point of panic attacks before leaving the house.
Incredibly with TSM, the fog of my alcohol assisted depression is being lifted and my mood has become increasingly lighter. I can now see my relationship for what it truly is and it's not a bad one but my brain made it out to be the reason to drink.
The rewards of mindful drinking are incredibly powerful. It has to be solely between you and the glass. This is what works for me as a successful extinction session...
No distractions (tv, ipad, friends, books).
Quench your thirst with two or three glasses of water first.
Pour one glass and the bottle goes back into the fridge.
Sit at table and take a sip.
Assess the taste.
Keep the glass at a distance where you need to reach for it.
With each slow sip, put the glass back and rest.
Allow yourself to leave the room to do a task - put some washing away, or cut some vegetables up for dinner etc.
Always leave the glass behind.
Upon returning, sit again and assess how you feel.
Trying to break up the relationship is the reward. Putting the power of choice back in your hands is the reward.
As soon as the glass is finished put it into the dishwasher and pour yourself a delicate non alcohol drink and get right into it.
Within a few sips you will forget the urge for more. Busy yourself with a new task.
Anyway this is what's working for me and since i can see similarities between our style I wanted to share.
My heart goes out to you and all of us but each extinction session brings us closer to Pharmacological Extinction."
Don't waste any more time and come to the Options Saves Lives forum and get the science based support you need from people who are just like you.
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