Social Anxiety and Drinking To Cope

Connecting with others in social settings can be nerve-racking. For that reason, many people fear judgment and use alcohol as a crutch to cope with the effects of social anxiety. In turn, social anxiety can lead to reliance on drinking alcoholic beverages. Although alcohol can produce relaxing effects, consuming alcohol is clinically known to be associated with unfortunate risks to your physical and mental health. 

The compassionate recovery team at Hawaii Island Recovery can teach you healthier strategies for managing social fears. With consistent participation, you can learn how to break free from the cycle of addiction and build improved confidence without depending on alcohol.

Social anxiety is the fear of being in social settings. 

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), feeling nervous in social situations is common. If you fear being evaluated, scrutinized, or judged by others in social settings, these symptoms can be a red flag for social anxiety disorder. 

Unmanaged social anxiety disorder can interfere with your daily life. Fears associated with social anxiety are difficult to control without professional help. However, if you surrender to mental health treatment at Hawaii Island Recovery and receive the right support, you can learn effective skills to manage your anxiety and improve your quality of life. 

There is no direct cause of social anxiety. 

However, certain factors can play a role in the development of social anxiety. For example, genetics can be a well-known factor, but not everyone understands why some family members have social anxiety while others do not. Genetics can influence how the brain functions. To illustrate, different areas of the brain are involved in fear and anxiety. 

Aside from family history, stress and environmental factors can also play a role in the disorder. You may naturally present high sensitivity in social settings, but social anxiety can exacerbate symptoms. If you have experienced humiliation in the past, had a controlling parent, or simply grew up with high expectations for a greater future, social anxiety might be a problem. 

The onset of social anxiety disorder typically starts in early childhood or young adolescent years. 

You may have avoided public situations from the start, felt uncomfortable with social interactions, or have presented extreme shyness with family, doctors, or peers. Additionally, social anxiety is seen more in females than in males, and symptoms are more pronounced in children and young adults. However, it can be easy to miss the early signs or symptoms of social anxiety disorder. 

Social norms and peer pressure in grade school, sports leagues, or gatherings can worsen social anxiety. Nevertheless, depending on the individual, social anxiety disorder can appear later on in life, too.

Many factors can worsen social anxiety disorder. Diet, lack of sleep, and high-stress situations can all contribute to worsened anxiety. 

For example, stimulant foods or drinks such as chocolate, tea, coffee, or soda can make anxiety worse. Sleep deprivation can impair your ability to concentrate, further worsening social anxiety. Certain prescription medications or supplements can also worsen anxiety. Your first thought may be to quickly turn down invitations or avoid events completely. However, simply avoiding social situations can temporarily relieve anxiety, but in turn reinforces fear. 

Comparing yourself to others in person, on social media, or even in magazines or online ads can bring on a negative mindset and worsen self-conscious feelings. Cognitive distortions or negative self-affirmations can also intensify feelings of anxiety. If you have underlying mental health conditions, this can, of course, exacerbate social anxiety disorder symptoms. Moreover, alcohol can damage your self-confidence and your brain chemistry. 

Every day, social anxiety symptoms can be different for everyone.

There are several different types of anxiety. Nonetheless, social anxiety disorder is more common than you might think. Most people fear social situations where they may be judged, scrutinized, or evaluated by others. Having intense worry of being judged in front of close family, friends, or a loved one can also bring on distress or generate fears of embarrassment. For example, if you know you are meeting a new group of people soon, you may experience the effects of anxiety disorder hours or sometimes days beforehand. Many people experience anxiety if they know a date is coming up soon, a job interview, a work party, or a holiday event. 

The simplest social situations can also be nerve-racking. Fearing being called on in a classroom setting, waiting in a line at the doctor’s office, or walking back into a crowded movie theater to find your seat can also bring on anxiety. With social anxiety, everyday things such as eating in a restaurant, walking into a public restroom, getting your hair done at the salon, or visiting your in-laws can feel more uncomfortable than enjoyable. You may fear being judged right off the bat or humiliated. After interacting, you may assume or fear rejection. If a special someone does not contact you, it can be easy to beat yourself up, but it’s important to remember that where you are in life is much different than most. 

Other performance situations where anxiety might arise include the following: 

Physical symptoms can occur alongside mental distress with social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety symptoms may fluctuate at times or worsen depending on your level of stress due to unforeseen life events or trauma. 

Your first thought may be to avoid social settings altogether so you don’t have to deal with the effects of anxiety. However, your anxiety disorder will remain for life or worsen if you do not seek addiction or mental health treatment. You may also engage in certain behaviors to gain relief from anxiety disorder that aren’t exactly safe. Knowing this, it is important to learn to recognize the common symptoms of social anxiety disorder for proper management. 

Common signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder include the following: 

Children and teens with social anxiety disorder may experience similar symptoms to adults, but tend to:

If you have social anxiety disorder, going out with friends, family, or in crowded environments may be the last thing on your to-do list. Say you feel brave enough to go out. Peer pressure might have gotten the best of you, and drinking alcohol might seem like a good way to help you cope. 

Drinking alcohol to cope with social anxiety can lead to unhealthier ways to cope and is never worth the mental or physical health consequences. 

The prevalence of young adult alcohol use is a growing concern. 

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), in 2024, approximately 16.6 million young adults aged 18 to 25 reported drinking alcohol within the last month. 4.4 million college students who attend classes full-time, as well as 11.9 million young adults in the same age group, also reported alcohol use. 

Some individuals self-medicate with alcohol not only because it seems to be a social norm, but also because fears of mental health stigma from others can also play a role. 

If you have turned to alcohol for relief in social settings, maybe you felt undeserving of receiving professional support. Perhaps you felt you did not have time for treatment or didn’t believe that anyone could feel as bad as you. Denying you have a problem altogether is also a common factor. 

Alcohol use can damage relationships, lose opportunities to create meaningful relationships, and impair various aspects of your life.

According to the Alcohol Research & Health, the tension reduction theory supports why some individuals use alcohol to alleviate their social anxiety symptoms. However, pharmacological studies do not support that alcohol reduces anxiety for those facing challenges with social anxiety disorder. Persistent alcohol use can also increase your risk of developing alcohol use disorder, engaging in destructive behavior, facing legal issues, or contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). 

If left untreated, chronic alcohol use in social situations for self-medication may result in secondary AUD. You may experience problems with two comorbid disorders, which may warrant professional treatment. 

Although alcohol may seem like the answer to your social anxiety disorder, the risks to your mental and physical health are not worth the trouble. Alcohol is not beneficial in any way for poor mental health. However, there is much value that can come from attending treatment. 

Hawaii Island Recovery is comprised of licensed professionals who practice evidence-based therapies to treat alcohol addiction and co-occurring disorders such as social anxiety. You will learn new coping mechanisms to manage the effects of social anxiety and find relief from the physical symptoms. Psychotherapy at HIR can also treat chronic pain for improved mood and confidence. 

Hawaii Island Recovery has been established to inspire all individuals and families to believe that people can achieve their life-long goals regarding health, spirituality, peace, happiness, and recovery. HIR is an organization dedicated to serving the psychological, emotional, educational, vocational, and therapeutic needs of those who suffer from substance dependency and poor mental health. We provide a luxurious, safe, and serene environment free from alcohol and co-occurring substance use disorder. 

Hawaii Island Recovery’s commitment is to guide individuals like you and your family on the pathways to improved self-reliance and freedom from the effects of alcohol abuse and social anxiety.

Although one-on-one talk therapy can be an effective treatment option for social anxiety disorder management, group therapy can also offer additional benefits. 

For example, you can participate in a treatment setting made up of a multitude of individuals facing similar challenges with alcohol addiction and social anxiety. Peer support can provide comfort through shared experience and learned coping skills. Outpatient group therapy at Hawaii Island Recovery provides real-life social practice with others going through similar recovery hurdles. Participating in group therapy with like-minded peers can also give you a greater sense of belonging and overall normalization for improvement. 

Additional benefits that can come from participating in group therapy include the following: 

Both individual and group psychotherapy services at Hawaii Island Recovery can improve your confidence in social settings. Holistic practices provide a whole-approach to care. 

Holistic and adjunctive therapies (massage, yoga, acupuncture) can ease symptoms and target various areas. For example, holistic care can address your mind, body, and spiritual needs. Combining both psychotherapy with holistic modalities at Hawaii Island Recovery can give a whole-person approach to care. Dual support can aid in relapse prevention, reduce your risk for re-hospitalization, and further enhance your ability to achieve long-term recovery. 

Practicing other strategies outside of treatment can help you stay on track toward ongoing healing. 

Try planning to ease the pressure before a big event. You could bring a friend with you to your next social event for emotional support. Sometimes having a pet with you can ease social anxiety symptoms and be an effective ice breaker in social settings. Bringing your favorite book or using positive self-affirmations is also important. 

It’s okay to allow yourself breaks, such as walking to the bathroom, going out to your car to call a friend, or leaving earlier than you anticipated. Taking baby steps first can help you reach your long-term goals for improved confidence in social environments.

Discontinuing alcohol use will not cure anxiety, but it can significantly alleviate symptoms associated with anxiety disorders. 

Many individuals use alcohol as a coping mechanism, which can lead to increased anxiety when not drinking. By quitting alcohol, individuals can improve their mental clarity and emotional stability, enabling them to focus on healthier coping strategies and treatment options. It’s important for those struggling with anxiety to seek professional help for comprehensive treatment alongside quitting alcohol.

If you have high-functioning anxiety, you may experience the signs and symptoms of anxiety disorder but still manage everyday life with less distress.

High-functioning anxiety refers to a condition where individuals experience symptoms of anxiety but still manage to meet daily responsibilities and appear successful in various aspects of life. 

People with high-functioning anxiety may frequently feel overwhelmed, perfectionistic, or excessively worried, yet they often maintain a façade of normalcy and productivity. They may struggle internally while appearing outwardly fine, which can make it challenging for them to seek help. Understanding and addressing this condition is crucial for improving overall well-being.

Individuals with social anxiety disorder may initially feel more comfortable spending time alone, as it allows them to avoid social situations that trigger their anxiety. 

However, excessive isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and exacerbate other mental health issues, such as major depressive disorder. While solitude might provide temporary relief, the lack of social interactions can hinder personal growth and the development of supportive relationships. It’s important for those with social anxiety to find a balance between alone time and social engagement to foster well-being.

Social anxiety disorder is unlikely to resolve on its own without intervention. 

Many individuals may experience persistent anxiety that can interfere with their daily lives if left unaddressed. Effective treatments, such as talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, holistic approaches, and prescribed medications, play a crucial role in managing symptoms. Seeking professional help can provide individuals with the tools and support they need to cope with and overcome social anxiety.

Addiction recovery is possible. Experience transformative healing at Hawaii Island Recovery. Our holistic and evidence-based treatments for alcohol use disorder and social anxiety meet the serene beauty of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Verify your insurance and get in touch with our team at (866) 390-5070 to learn how our Hawaii rehab programs can help you reclaim your life!