Alcohol to help with shyness

[ACone]

Hey, new to this site and making my first post here. ;D
I was just wondering what you guys think on the subject of alcohol..?I think it's great for reliveing shyness for a short time and but I guess you do have to be carefull you dont use it as crutch whenever you need to become more sociable. But hey, id still reccomend you try drinking a bit next time your at a party and find your shyness getting in the way..

[max]

I would definitely have to disagree. It's a short term fix at best, and the intoxicated state will likely get in the way of learning any social skills. From my own personal experience, I find that alcohol in any amount over 1-2 drinks makes it harder for me to socialize because I start thinking less clearly.

[prawnie]

i dont drink, but i'll disagree with u anyway lol

[Sanity FreeZ0ne]

Well, I drink sometimes when I’m in a social situation to help relive my shyness. It has the obvious effect of removing my inhibitions to speak without hesitation more, but it doesn’t help for thinking of things to talk about, which is often my problem. But if you are going to use it I think you have to be careful that you don’t use it a crutch like ACone said. Shy people have quite a high tendency to become alcoholics. So I would say only use alcohol in a social situation if you know you can be careful and not go over the top with it and you are also working on other methods to help relive your shyness.

[Nicole]

Personally, I don't like alcohol because it inhibits my mental functioning. (I'm a graduate student and showing up drunk to class isn't usually very helpful.)

The only things I have ever found that help - and I am in no way advocating their usage - are amphetamines and other stimulants. Generally speaking, I think that they are destructive drugs that tend to wreak havoc on the user's life; they have numerous negative side effects, particularly depression. Nevertheless, when I have used them I have always felt completely at ease in social situations. It's remarkable - I speak in class, I strike up conversations with cashiers, etc. (Mind you,
I would *never* do these things without chemical assistance.)

They are prescribed for people with Attention Deficit Disorder now, and this is how I came to try them. (My brother has ADD.) Honestly, I don't think they should be prescribed to *anyone* because they're no different from illegal drugs like speed and coke, and just as dangerous. From time to time, though, particularly when I'm in a high-stress social situation, I will pop one and all usually goes smoothly.

I'm aware that this is a "band-aid" approach, though, and I am going to make an appointment with a psychiatrist soon for therapy and possible treatment with an SSRI.

[jkygogo]

Hi, yes, if you take Alcohol or drugs and rely on it or abuse it always, it will eventually kill you probably. But I also sometimes think that I'm sick of being shy and trying to overcome my shyness. I've tried and tried. And sometimes I feel why not take Alcohol or coffee or caffeine products to help me talk more. I've even tried Ephedrine from those weight loss tablets they recently banned. I mean I think extroverted people or really self confident people possibly have a different chemical make up than us shy people. So maybe taking caffeine or coffee or alcohol helps us to be on a more equal level with the uninhibited people out there. Besides, I think what makes us shy is the fact that we think too much about this and how we are and the negativity that is part of our thinking. So possibly alcohol helps us not to think so much and to allow us to be more of the kind of people we want to be and probably are. Sometimes when you think too much as I think alot of us shy and quiet people do, this is what hurts us and prevents us from speaking up in the first place.
I'm not suggesting you or other shy and quiet people out there take these drugs, but I'm just making a point that I get frustrated of my shyness and sick and tired of failing. Because I've tried psychologists, hypnotherapy, medication, and still I am basically shy and quiet. I've tried to be more social and join bowling and other things, but as always, it seems someone always says "you're too quiet or too shy." And I'm tired of it. It's not like I haven't tried to change. So I thought I would just express my views on this subject.
I don't suggest for you to take these drugs and please don't abuse them. I'm just speaking of my views on this.

Thanks.

J.

[Nicole]

I understand what you mean, and personally I think everything is chemical. (How can it not be?) That's not to say that I don't think it's psychological as well; I just don't think that "chemical" and "psychological" are necessarily diametrically opposed.

Personally, I am trying to find the "drug" (i.e. medication), legal or illegal, that works most effectively with the fewest negative side effects. I have had social anxiety disorder all my life, but I just discovered there is a name for it about, oh, three days ago or so.

I think my own condition is genetic, and I think I do have less (or more) of a certain chemical, as you said. I've just been researching to figure out what that might be, and what might be the best treatment.

[Nicole]

Hmmm, not sure what happened there. I typed the letter 'd' and it appeared as a smiley face.

[ACone]

ok guys no need to be like that
just giving my opinion sorry to have offended anyone
anyway yes i know alcohol cant help in all situations Nicole and im not suggesting you drink before class, just if you happen to be at place where ppl are drinking (e.g. a party) it can be helpfull for a temporaily solution, the same way Valium is taking an a tempary solution. as needed.
thanx

[Oakley]

Too many of "us" shy try to rely on some quick fix for our problem(s).

A better solution is too make yourself work through your situation. Hey!, many people at parties who are not shy, don't say anything nor do they have a good time. Allot depends on the makeup of the individual.

[Nicole]

ACone:



I hope you weren't referring to me when you said "no need to be like that." Trust me, I have no problem with alcohol or drug use. I just don't really like alcohol. Even for parties, I prefer stimulants - MDMA, cocaine, etc.
Not that I use much of them anymore, though - I don't have any more time for parties!

[EdgedInBlue]

Im very careful about drinking and whatnot, but I find that a drink or two can help me loosen up in social situations. Its not a crutch, but if I'm feeling especially nervous, it can get me to the point were I can actually carry a conversation without panicing

[refusetobeshyanylonger]

i have a lot to say about this actually. i recently started drinking to combat my shyness during certain social situations...to be more specific, dating.

here's why I have also recently stopped:

- it makes you have to PEE ...a lot... which is very annoying, especially if you're on a date
- my date, well now boyfriend, doesn't have his license yet and i have to do all the driving. and i must tell you the other night i was in the car with him almost ran straight into a stopped car for no reason at all..(although i was going pretty slow) but it was just kinda like...HELL-O YOU ARE DRUNK - SHOULD NOT BE DRIVING.
- personally, i *hate* the taste of alcohol... so i have to force myself to drink it... not fun
- i really don't like consuming so many excess calories, especially when i'm not enjoying them
- as stated above, it doesn't help you to come up with anything to say. im still just as quiet, even after 2-3 drinks. however, i do tend to get a bit more affectionate.....
- i'm underage
- i don't want to have to f*ck myself up on alcohol/drugs in order to feel more confident. i'd like to become unshy without the help of these things.