In thinking about my own pre-TSM self, I didn't want to give up alcohol but instead I wanted to control it. My "primative" lizard brain does NOT want to give up alcohol so therefore seeking help is risky because it goes hand in hand with abstaining. In the depths of AUD when the lizard is having a lovely time sucking on those scrumptious endorphins that it doesn't have to work hard to get, abstaining would be untenable.
Scenario: Brain considers, "I can get endorphins by running for 30 minutes or I can get them even faster and with less effort by drinking alcohol..." Not only is my brain supremely "lazy", but it's also an efficient energy conserver!
In hindsight, we know now that TSM puts the Alcohol Use Disorder sufferer back in control but before that, it's a daunting topic with a bleak prospect. I can understand why people are in denial because the only solution known to them will bring them no joy but a great deal of suffering. Who wants to suffer voluntarily?
The topics of AUD, TSM, and Naltrexone need to become an easy and open subject of conversation. Are we are prepared to lose friends and be judged by those who cannot/will not listen to reason? As I experienced, when trying to explain the science behind TSM, it was easier for my good friend to believe that there was an emotional reason for my drinking and not a mental one.
When a topic is too hot, too close, and listeners have pre-conceived opinions (based on personal experience or observations), they can be lost from the dialogue within moments. Not only does this set up a barrier but also does little to help us and our newly restored self-esteem and dignity.
For now, I am hoping that my humble blog will contribute to the internet dialogue (for the self-helper types like us who stumbled onto TSM via various modes) and help even just one person to halt the progress of their AUD. The more dialogue, the more chances positive quality of life will be restored.
I envisage that one day we can have a future conversation like this one...
John greets Sonia, "Good to see you, what's new with you?"
Sonia replies, "Never been better! I've just started TSM!"
John says, "That's fantastic news! I've been extinct for 3 years now. It gets better and better!"
Sonia replies, "Oh yeah, I read about that on your Facebook page. I'm looking forward to extinction".
John says, "Take your Naltrexone and let's go celebrate with the gang."
...Of course it's up to Sonia if she wants to drink alcohol or not but that's the wonderful thing about TSM, she's in control and not her brain.
Scenario: Brain considers, "I can get endorphins by running for 30 minutes or I can get them even faster and with less effort by drinking alcohol..." Not only is my brain supremely "lazy", but it's also an efficient energy conserver!
In hindsight, we know now that TSM puts the Alcohol Use Disorder sufferer back in control but before that, it's a daunting topic with a bleak prospect. I can understand why people are in denial because the only solution known to them will bring them no joy but a great deal of suffering. Who wants to suffer voluntarily?
The topics of AUD, TSM, and Naltrexone need to become an easy and open subject of conversation. Are we are prepared to lose friends and be judged by those who cannot/will not listen to reason? As I experienced, when trying to explain the science behind TSM, it was easier for my good friend to believe that there was an emotional reason for my drinking and not a mental one.
When a topic is too hot, too close, and listeners have pre-conceived opinions (based on personal experience or observations), they can be lost from the dialogue within moments. Not only does this set up a barrier but also does little to help us and our newly restored self-esteem and dignity.
For now, I am hoping that my humble blog will contribute to the internet dialogue (for the self-helper types like us who stumbled onto TSM via various modes) and help even just one person to halt the progress of their AUD. The more dialogue, the more chances positive quality of life will be restored.
I envisage that one day we can have a future conversation like this one...
John greets Sonia, "Good to see you, what's new with you?"
Sonia replies, "Never been better! I've just started TSM!"
John says, "That's fantastic news! I've been extinct for 3 years now. It gets better and better!"
Sonia replies, "Oh yeah, I read about that on your Facebook page. I'm looking forward to extinction".
John says, "Take your Naltrexone and let's go celebrate with the gang."
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