Social Anxiety and Alcohol

[jamiebortner]

I was a very heavy drinker for the past few years, i guess to cope with my social anxiety. I finally went to see a doctor who gave me valium for now and hopefully soon some type of anti depressent or ssri i think he was saying. Anyway, i stopped drinking once I got on the valium b/c i was pretty much willing to do anything to stop my social anxiety because it was affecting my life so severely. I know it's not very safe, but if I drink while on anit depressents or ssri's will they still work? If so how much can I drink without affecting how well they work? I still want to drink, not even as a social lubricant, i'm in college so i'd like to be able to still go out and drink with my friends. Also once I am hopefully cured of my social phobia, and am off the meds, can I begin drinking again? I know drinking causes anxiety and depression but I still want to drink. I understand the health risks from mixing drugs and alcohol but will I ever still be able to drink and be anxiety free? Thanks

 

[sabbath92001]

Alcohol + meds is a recipe for disaster. Instead of using meds why don't you try Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). With ACT you won't need meds and you'll be able to drink in moderation (2-3 drinks over 2-3 hours) occasionally. Meds are dangerous just by themselves, add alcohol and all bets are off. There is no such thing as "anxiety free" living.

Feeling down n dirty, feeling kinda mean
Ive been from one to another extreme
It's time I had a good time, ain't got time to wait
I wanna stick around till I can't see straight

Fill my eyes with that double vision, no disguise for that double vision
Ooh, when it gets through to me, its always new to me
My double vision gets the best of me

Never do more than I really need
My mind is racing, but my body's in the lead
Tonight's the night, I'm gonna push it to the limit
I live all of my years in a single minute

Fill my eyes with that double vision, no disguise for that double vision
Ooh, when it gets through to me, its always new to me
My double vision always seems to get the best of me - the best of me, yeah

Ooh, double vision, I need my double vision
It takes me out of my head, takin' me out of my head
I get my double vision, oh, seeing double double
Oh, I have double vision, yeah, I'm getting double vision...