sleeping anxiety disorder
Is it ok to use alcohol to control social anxiety disorder?

I have social anxiety quite badly. I go to a counselor, but still have not been able to over come it. I don’t want to be on medication. Is it ok to drink in moderation to help control these feelings? Until recently I never drank at all because it was against my religion. Sometimes now I drink a bit when I know there is going to be a social event or to help calm me to sleep. Is that ok?

Yes, as long as it’s in moderation, it’s fine.

Have you ever heard the term “night cap?” It’s a drink you have before bed to help you sleep. A glass of red wine might help.

Also, most people have a touch of social anxiety, which is why there’s alcohol at parties to begin with. Most disorders are on a continuum with a lot of gray area, not two dimensions (either you have the disorder or you don’t). Most people find a drink or two calms their nerves and allows them to socialize better. I don’t have Social Anxiety Disorder, but a drink at a party allows me to mingle better with strangers, get up and dance, etc. It lowers your inhibitions and calms your nerves a bit.

Just don’t develop a substance use disorder (spending a considerable amount of time intoxicated, letting it interfere with work, etc.) or get to the point where you constantly need alcohol to function.

A drink or two, in conjunction with therapy, is okay.