drinking to hide social anxiety.?

You have nothing to worry about...COMPARED TO ME! I have BAD social anxiety. I drink 2-3 a week, not a month. But do be careful, because drinking is a progression; you will steadily drink MORE and MORE. Try a therapist to discover your discomfort with yourself and your subsequent discomfort with other. It sounds corny but it'll work. Give it a try.

I don't know if this is common, but I am the same way. I often go out and think I will be fine.... but then I remember how much fun last time was and I know what made me feel comfortable w/ the attention was drinking. I often end up downing a couple really fast just to deal w/ it so I can get to the fun part--- I dont even like the taste of alcohol and often feel full and not thirsty. I would say maybe mention it to your doctor and see what he says.

It is true tho that there are alcoholics who dont drink alot but when they do... they cant stop ( all night/weekend). So meetings might help make u feel like u are not alone :)

There are all kinds of reasons to drink (or not to). For me, I like the taste of wine, beer and periodically a hard drink. Usually, when I do drink, it's during meal time, lunch or dinner. If I am out at a restaurant and opt for alcohol, I usually order two beers - One to be served immediately and one to be served when my meal arrives. I also always order water to drink in between.

I currently do not any alcohol at all because I am in recovery from a spinal injury and am taking narcotics. Mixing the two could unleash a horrendous reaction (and sometimes the meds do that all by themselves), so I have to be very careful.

However, reading what you have written, I would seriously consider consulting a physician or counselor. When you drink, you need to find a stopping point, especially if you are driving. If you drink and you find you have no stopping point, there is a problem and it could seriously hurt you.

One thing you have to remember is that alcoholism is not a exclusively a social, but a medical condition. Even if you can go long periods of time between drinking, if you start and seem to have a need to continue without knowing where or when to stop, that is a source of problem which could lead you into serious danger. Take care, my friend.

I've always felt that if your life was in order, ie; good job, no financial worries, general happiness, then you should be able to drink as much and as often as you'd like permitted it doesn't take/effect negatively your accomplishments. If you DO NOT possess the things in life that you are trying to achieve or the things that will make you happy, then going out and getting lit may not be the best thing to help get you there. Figure out what your priorities are and make it happen. As far as looking stupid when your drunk...don't worry! Everyone looks stupid when their drunk...the cool part is, when everyones drunk, no one remembers how stupid we all looked.

Also...never feel guilty about having a good time! Sometimes letting go of your inhibitions can be exactly what you need.

maybe if you take off the clown wig....

i think that if you try to go out and stay away from the alcohol, women will find you more attractive. it makes you more relaxed, but if you make a fool of yourself, your plan backfires.

what's more important to you? drunken socializing, mind numbing mood inhibitors or peace of mind?