Social Anxiety and Alcohol Consumption

Social anxiety disorder involves a deep irrational fear of humiliation, especially during social interactions. Most people suffering from this disorder will experience anxious thoughts and worries that others are judging them. Those with social anxiety will fear all types of social interactions altogether or enter them with extreme stress.

The following are common situations people with this disorder tend to have difficulties with:

• Talking to strangers
  
• Dating
  
• Speaking in public
  
• Making eye contact
  
• Entering rooms
  
• Going to parties
  
• Participating in job interviews
  
• Using public restrooms
  
• Eating in front of other people
  
• Initiating conversations
  
• Going to school or work
  

People with social anxiety disorder can also experience physical symptoms, such as:

• Nausea
  
• Trembling
  
• Rapid heartbeat
  
• Muscle tension
  
• Inability to catch their breath
  
• Blushing
  
• Sweating
  
• Lightheadedness
  
• Extreme self-consciousness
  
• Excessive worrying
  

People with social anxiety disorder have a 20% chance of also having alcohol problems. Many drink to lower their inhibitions so they can feel more comfortable in social situations. Unfortunately, some people behave in embarrassing ways under the influence of alcohol. This can be especially hard if you have social anxiety. The memory of acting unlike yourself while under the influence can push social phobia to extreme levels and may even lead to more substance abuse. People with high levels of social anxiety typically report that alcohol helps them feel more comfortable in social situations. Thus, it is not surprising that individuals with clinically diagnosed social anxiety disorder have a higher incidence of alcohol-related problems than the general population.

Alcohol is a depressant and therefore has a sedative effect, which is why many people often use the substance to "unwind" or relax. However, although alcohol may seem to temporarily reduce symptoms of social anxiety, alcohol can actually exacerbate symptoms of the disorder within just a few hours of consumption such as anxiety, irritability, and depression.


Therapies to treat social anxiety disorder include:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Psychotherapy
Social skills coaching
Antianxiety or antidepressant medications
These are in addition to practical tips you can use to conquer social anxiety without using drugs or alcohol.