Overcoming Social Anxiety: How Alcohol Furthers the Issue

If we’re being honest, facing a large crowd— especially of strangers, can be a bit intimidating. But when you add social anxiety into the mix? To some, the environment can be crippling. Therefore, many people turn to alcohol as a means of coping with their anxiety. Some social anxiety sufferers might assume that having a drink or two will take the edge off when, in fact, it can be quite negative in terms of overcoming social anxiety. What you might not realize is that alcohol can increase anxiety. Not to mention, if it works for you, you might be creating a new issue on top of managing your anxiety…

Overcoming Social Anxiety: How Alcohol Might Just Make it Worse

Increased Anxiety

One of the largest issues when it comes to using alcohol as a means of overcoming social anxiety, is that alcohol causes anxiety. Alcohol affects the brain in a number of ways. For one, it changes the levels of serotonin in the brain. For some, that change in chemicals can lead to relaxation. But for anxiety sufferers? Alcohol can increase that feeling of anxiousness. Furthermore, a large number of people begin to suffer from heightened anxiety a few hours, or the morning after, a night of drinking. In fact, so many people suffer from this that a term was coined to describe that feeling of anxiety after drinking: ‘hanxiety’

You’ll Build A Tolerance 

Drinking to avoid anxiety might lead to an issue where you need more and more to get the desired effect. When you begin using alcohol, you might find your relief quite quickly. However, the more you use it— the more you’ll need to reach the same result. As you are well-aware, the more you drink— the drunker you get, and the more likely you are to face that ‘hanxiety’ we were talking about. Keep in mind that even though you’re just trying to find a bit of relief form your anxiety, your BAC is still rising. Therefore, even though you meant to just manage your anxiety, have a good time, and then drive on home— you might find that you’re over the legal limit. Not to mention, using that alcohol to feel better can lead to a more serious issue…

Alcohol Dependence and Alcoholism

As you can see, using alcohol to overcome social anxiety might momentarily fix the problem, but worsens it in the long run. From post-drinking anxiety, to increasing tolerance, the effect on your body, and dependence— there are plenty of negatives. Nevertheless, many people use, and will continue to use, this method. In turn, many anxiety sufferers that use alcohol to overcome it, might find that they have a dependence on alcohol. It’s purpose might start as having a drink or two to get comfortable. However, it can quickly become more drinks, and more frequently. In short, instead of fixing a problem, you might just be creating more of them.

The unfortunate thing about social anxiety, is that it can come and go as it pleases. Some people experience it on occasion, and others experience it in every single social situation. No matter which way you handle social anxiety, alcohol is not the answer. It may take time, and trial and error, but you must find a method outside of alcohol. By doing so, you can begin to tackle one issue instead of adding to it…

Drinking Penalties for Minors: More Risk Than Just DWI

When it comes to facing drinking penalties, minors have a few more issues than someone of legal drinking age. Due to North Carolina state law, as a minor, any amount of alcohol in the system will result in DWI charges. While this might seem harsh to some, particularly those minors, this law is meant to act as a strong deterrent to those youngsters considering taking a risk. But, what you might not realize, is that it isn’t just drinking and driving that can result in drinking charges for a minor. In fact, there are a few other ways that a minor can end up in trouble with the police in reference to alcohol…

Drinking Penalties for Minors: More Risk Than Just DWI

Operating a vehicle with any alcohol in your system

First, and most obviously, driving with any alcohol in your system while under 21 years old results in a drinking ticket. Since the state has a zero tolerance policy, that means any BAC over .00 is cause for a ticket. In fact, you can receive a drinking violation for this even if you are not driving. If you are in the car during a stop, and the officer finds a reason to breathalyze— you can still receive a ticket.

Attempting to purchase alcohol

If you are caught attempting to purchase alcohol as a minor, you will receive a drinking ticket. Even if you attempt to purchase unsuccessfully, officers can still issue a ticket for the attempt.

Using a fake ID

Using a fake ID can warrant a drinking violation. In some cases, people may purchase fake ID, using another name. These types of IDs are illegal and you can face a ticket for using one. In other cases, people may use a friend’s ID to purchase alcohol. Even though this is a valid ID, if it isn’t yours, it can result in a ticket. Furthermore, the person who’s ID it is may get in trouble as well.

Helping a minor purchase alcohol

In the case that you are 21, helping a minor purchase alcohol is grounds for a charge. Assisting someone under 21 to get alcohol can lead to tickets for both you and the minor.

In short actions with alcohol as a minor can lead to drinking penalties— no matter the circumstance. If you happen to face a drinking charge, you will lose your license for a 30 day period. Furthermore, after your court case, you may lose your license for an additional year.

Am I An Alcoholic? Acknowledging the Signs, Together 

Maybe you’ve always been a heavy drinker; it started in high school, and progressed in college, and now, you’re part of the workforce. Plenty of things have changed, and maybe you’re starting to consider that your alcohol dependency is a bit more than you thought before. You find yourself stressed, and reaching for a drink; upset, and reaching for a drink; mourning, and reaching for a drink. It took some time, but now you’re a bit worried that you might be an alcoholic.

So, we’re here to lay out the signs. What might I be doing that’s destructive? How might I improve my drinking habits so as to improve my life? If you’re asking yourself these questions, you’re in a good place. Ultimately, you might be paranoid, or you might be right. So, let’s figure this out together… 

Am I An Alcoholic? Acknowledging the signs, together 

When it comes to determining alcoholism, there’s no one sure fire answer. And, we must point out that we are not therapists here. We didn’t study these signs, and get a degree in psychology. Therefore, while we can report common signs— we cannot determine whether or not you, specifically, are an alcoholic. If you need help, reach out to a therapist, a support group, or someone you love. We can help with a number of things. But when it comes to your battle with alcoholism, there are higher powers… 

Questions to ask yourself: 

Do I often lose control or drink more than I planned to? 

One common sign of alcohol dependence and abuse is a loss of control. If you intended to drink a certain amount, and then you decide to have more, and more, there might be an issue there, according to the American Addiction Centers.

Does my drinking hinder relationships? 

Do you find yourself letting drinking come before things that are important? Maybe you’ve recently found that you and your spouse are arguing more, you’re not physically attracted to them, you’re betraying your loved ones trust, and overall— you’re not being the person you’ve always been. The good news is, if you can recognize that these things are happening now, you can correct them before they fully escalate. However, this comes with admitting that there’s a problem, and making a move to improve upon it… 

Do I drink whenever I want, regardless of the situation? 

If you find that you have to drink to attend a child’s soccer game, a play, family dinner, when you’re studying, before work… whatever it may be. If you find that you’re drinking at inappropriate times, and disregarding right versus wrong, there is likely an issue there. 

Ultimately, if drinking is diminishing your work ethic, family life, love life, and morals— there is a problem developing. However, you, more than anyone else, have to make a decision to change. But, if you find that you want to change, you recognize the signs, and you still just can’t do it— ask for help. There are plenty of resources out there if you don’t feel comfortable speaking with someone close to you.