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I used to drink alcohol to self-medicate my social anxiety. I realized eventually, however, that, because it also lowered my inhibitions, I would do and say th
by djaouen 2y ago
I used to drink alcohol to self-medicate my social anxiety. I realized eventually, however, that, because it also lowered my inhibitions, I would do and say things I wouldn't have were I not inebriated. This is what effectively convinced me to give up the drink, as it were.
- weweweoo 2y agoBut isn't social anxiety a source of many harmful inhibitions? To me moderate lowering of inhibitions is a good thing, and a couple of beers helps with that. But with anything more the bad effects outweigh the good. Still, facing one's fears and going sober to anxiety inducing situations is absolutely much better long-term treatment of social anxiety. That has a lasting effect, alcohol doesn't.
- djaouen 2y agoThere are also non-narcotic anxiolytics that don't lower your inhibitions. That was the ultimate solution I found for myself.
- quickthrowman 2y agoPropranolol, I assume? Much safer than alcohol and very good at reducing social anxiety/stage fright in my experience.
- cdrini 2y ago> I would do and say things I wouldn't have were I not inebriated Although I mean, isn't that the point? If your social anxiety was inhibiting you from eg going to a social event, asking someone out, or speaking in front of a lot of people, wouldn't alcohol reducing your inhibitions be a good thing?