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Think about the last social gathering you were at. How many of those people seemed to always have a drink in their hand? Now, how many of those people do you think were feeling anxious? The answer is probably more than you think.
Alcohol and Anxiety
People often refer to alcohol as a social lubricant. Scientifically, it’s true. Drinking alcohol decreases inhibitions and makes people more likely to act naturally in social settings.
When social drinking, people tend to:
- Feel happier
- Be more talkative
- Be more open toward others
- Be more trustworthy
- Ignore risks
People with high levels of social anxiety report that drinking alcohol at social gatherings helps them feel more comfortable.
Unfortunately, the anxiety that people feel in social settings can cause them to overconsume in an attempt to stay comfortable. This can lead to issues when it’s time to leave the party and they are faced with the challenge of getting home while severely intoxicated. In this situation with the decreased ability to consider risks, some people may choose to drive.
Healthy Tips for Handling Party Anxiety
After the last year of social distancing, more people are reporting symptoms of social anxiety than ever before. We’ve put together a list of tips to help you handle your social anxiety so you don’t turn to binge drinking.
Prepare Beforehand
Take steps to get in the right mindset before going to the party. This could include planning your outfit, doing some mindful meditation, journaling about what your stressors are, etc.
You may also choose to tell your friend or the party host how you’re feeling. This way, they’ll know that you’re going outside of your comfort zone and they can be there for you if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
If you want to use the party as an opportunity to push yourself, come up with some conversation starters beforehand and challenge yourself to talk to new people. The more you do it, the more natural it will feel without needing alcohol!
Step Outside If You Need A Break
If you’re in a situation where you feel awkward or uncomfortable, leave the room and find a place to be alone. This will give you a break from your anxiety and help you recharge.
Keep A Cup in Your Hand
You may feel like you need to have a drink in your hand at all times. Fill a cup with a non-alcoholic drink, like water. Interestingly, the sensation of touching something cold can help decrease anxiety.
Wisconsin DUI Lawyers
Sometimes, anxiety can get the best of us. If you went to a social gathering, had more alcohol than you intended to, and were arrested for DUI, contact Melowski & Singh, LLC. We are experts in the field of DUI and want to help you prevent this mistake from becoming a criminal conviction.