Social Anxiety & Alcoholism?
- Thread starter knr9311
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spearhunter
Well-known member
Seriously I would not want to socialize with a chronic alcoholic. I understand people such as myself that drink socially to ease off the anxiety, but REAL alcoholic that usually drink 24/7 are not fun people do be around.
MollyBeGood
Well-known member
absolutely . Liquid courage is easy for me to try...BUT not the answer just an easy way to be social if you have too..though there is a fine line which is rarely easily found. I don't not drink the hard stuff unless it is free. 
IntheLabyrinth
Well-known member
According to my last psychologist, I was an acoholic. I only drank on occasion and never alone but she said that since I drank excesive amounts (that was the only way to feel at ease at parties or social gatherings) that that was a form of alcoholism. I never really agreed though... My anxiety has gotten manageable enough to where I can just have a drink or two and be fine.
sullyS25
Well-known member
I am a sober alcoholic, I've been sober for 28 months and I used to use social anxiety as an excuse to drink and consume drugs.
The truth is that most people don't know the first thing about alcoholism but like to think they do because the have seen celebrity rehab or intervention and assume that makes them experts. You don't have to drink 24/7 to be an alcoholic nor do you have to have had 1, 2 or 3 DUI's. The majority of alcoholics I have met in the AA rooms didn't live on the streets either. I never went to jail or had a DUI. I graduated college with a 3.5 GPA and on the outside everything looked "normal".
In my experience, alcoholism is my primary disease and social anxiety is a symptom of it. I didn't "TURN INTO" an alcoholic, I was born that way. When I consume alcohol I react to it differently than others and can not control the amount I consume after I have swallowed the first drop.
If you have any questions about the specifics of alcoholism or may think you have a problem with it, I would love to answer whatever questions you may have.
The truth is that most people don't know the first thing about alcoholism but like to think they do because the have seen celebrity rehab or intervention and assume that makes them experts. You don't have to drink 24/7 to be an alcoholic nor do you have to have had 1, 2 or 3 DUI's. The majority of alcoholics I have met in the AA rooms didn't live on the streets either. I never went to jail or had a DUI. I graduated college with a 3.5 GPA and on the outside everything looked "normal".
In my experience, alcoholism is my primary disease and social anxiety is a symptom of it. I didn't "TURN INTO" an alcoholic, I was born that way. When I consume alcohol I react to it differently than others and can not control the amount I consume after I have swallowed the first drop.
If you have any questions about the specifics of alcoholism or may think you have a problem with it, I would love to answer whatever questions you may have.
Actually, I've only drank a few times. The very first time I was at a party, I blacked out. The most recent time I didn't exactly black out but tiny bits and pieces are missing (I don't know if that's normal or not). A lot of my family members struggle with alcoholism. In your opinion, do you think I need to watch out?:idontknow:
sullyS25
Well-known member
I'm not going to tell you what you are or what you are not as only you can decide for yourself.
I would certainly be aware of the fact that the chances of becoming an alcoholic are higher if you have a family history of it and that there is a genetic component of it. I would also be concerned if these black outs/semi-black outs become more normal.
The literature of AA says that alcoholics drink because it removes al their fears in life and once they fee the relief that comes from a few drinks, they do not want to lose it that feeling so they continue to drink more, and more and more. That is why alcoholics black out, after they take that first drink they trigger a reaction in their body which produces a non-stop craving and cannot control the amount of alcohol they will end up consuming after.
I would just tell you to be cautious and aware that you do have a pre-disposition to alcoholism but also be aware that not everyone that has a history of alcoholism in their family becomes an alcoholic. Be on the look out for cravings as well, if you're at a party or drinking with friends and they stop and you want to continue consuming that might be the craving...
I guess i would just inform yourself as to what alcoholism is too so you know what to look out for.
I would certainly be aware of the fact that the chances of becoming an alcoholic are higher if you have a family history of it and that there is a genetic component of it. I would also be concerned if these black outs/semi-black outs become more normal.
The literature of AA says that alcoholics drink because it removes al their fears in life and once they fee the relief that comes from a few drinks, they do not want to lose it that feeling so they continue to drink more, and more and more. That is why alcoholics black out, after they take that first drink they trigger a reaction in their body which produces a non-stop craving and cannot control the amount of alcohol they will end up consuming after.
I would just tell you to be cautious and aware that you do have a pre-disposition to alcoholism but also be aware that not everyone that has a history of alcoholism in their family becomes an alcoholic. Be on the look out for cravings as well, if you're at a party or drinking with friends and they stop and you want to continue consuming that might be the craving...
I guess i would just inform yourself as to what alcoholism is too so you know what to look out for.
gustavofring
Well-known member
I don't drink by myself anymore, only occasionaly with friends. I don't like how it makes me feel anymore that much, especially not how it disrupts sleep.
About a year ago my beer-consumption was really high. I also smoked cigarettes for a while. I guess people who are anxious or depressed are definately susceptive to it, something that can take you out of feeling like like crap. But drugs and alcohol really aren't the answer.
About a year ago my beer-consumption was really high. I also smoked cigarettes for a while. I guess people who are anxious or depressed are definately susceptive to it, something that can take you out of feeling like like crap. But drugs and alcohol really aren't the answer.
lonelee1
Well-known member
i understand using substances to cope. especially with anxiety and depression. you find relief nowhere. it's a slippery slope.
im not an alcoholic myself, but i've had horrible lows, so i can see how one might get to that point.
but lots of people use it as a social lubricant, not bad in itself, you just have to know when it's become a problem and deal with the underlying issues that make you dependent.
im not an alcoholic myself, but i've had horrible lows, so i can see how one might get to that point.
but lots of people use it as a social lubricant, not bad in itself, you just have to know when it's become a problem and deal with the underlying issues that make you dependent.
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