alcohol abuse

[User87365209]

recently I’ve been leaning towards alcohol as a self medication. I have panic disorder and agoraphobia and alcohol helps me do exposure therapy easily. This pattern worries me because I have found myself turning to that before I drive to make it easier. I know I should emphasize the fact that I know that this is wrong for me and could create an addiction, especially because this addiction runs in my family, I just need help with other ways of coping with panic disorder and getting out into social settings.

[Shnookie]

Drinking and driving is not necessarily the best of combinations. If you choose to drink, can you take an Uber or Lyft or have a designated driver. Also R U on any meds for your panic disorder and agoraphobia ?

[Nothing_but_books]

Been there. Done that. No advice, just some info. This site has a "Drink Free" forum. It might be a better site to get helpful suggestions.

[Hidden in reply to Nothing_but_books]

Good idea I forgot to add that,

[Hidden]

Hello I have self medicated in the past for various reasons, I found swimming got me off it it relaxed me helped me sleep raised seretonin the happy hormone a good way to meet people too at a sports centre, I find walking in the sun in my park relaxing and a nice way to chat to dog walkers etc get to know them gradual is easier if your shy, have you a local park or beach leisure centre 🤗

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Also try hypnosis you can get a cd do before sleep and before go out in social settings try doing short trips out first and not with many people,

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

The driving and drinking is pure madness and selfish you could kill someone think of there family's and the guilt you'd feel

[CHRIS198412 in reply to Hidden]

I like swimming and walking in the park, specially when it is sunny.

[Hidden in reply to CHRIS198412]

Hi unfortunately it's raining today, I also like cycling, and got lots work keeping me busy with house rennovation 🙄