Can I drink alcohol or use recreational drugs if I have anxiety?
71 Answers
Last Updated: 09/21/2020 at 4:16pm
Moderated by
Kelley Goodwin, Psychotherapy/Art Therapist, LPC, ATR
Licensed Professional Counselor
Attachment and psychodynamic focused, I provide the client a connected, affirming, and protective experience to creatively integrate trauma and explore their true self.
Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
September 11th, 2014 1:26pm
It is quite common that people use alcohol and drugs to lower their anxiety or to make them forget their worries. But unfortunately there is often a reverse effect and the anxiety gets worse, either while being intoxicated or when the effect wears off. I understand that you want to fight your anxiety in all ways possible and alcohol and recreational drugs might seem like a quick fix. But it is not be the best choice if you want a long-term solution for your problem.
That really depends. If you're on any kind of medication for anxiety, your doctor has likely told you to stay away from alcohol as it can interact poorly with many anxiety medications. In general, recreational drugs are dangerous and should be avoided. Some people say their anxiety was eased by using marijuana, but others find that it actually increases their anxiety, so I'd recommend staying away from it entirely
Anonymous
September 15th, 2014 6:59pm
No! Drugs are never the answer! There are always better ways to take care of anxiety, such as music, going outside, playing your piano, ect
While I would never condone using illegal substances or alcohol for anxiety issues, some reports have said that marijuana is good for helping anxiety.
Anonymous
November 11th, 2014 10:20am
I don't drink, and I don't use drugs when I'm anxious because I don't know how they will affect those feelings; whether they might make them go away or make them worse in a situation where I am not fully equipped to deal with complex feelings.
Anxiety is typically worsened by alcohol and drugs. Doctors or professionals can advise better methods of coping with anxiety.
If you're having anxiety or any anxiety disorder you shouldn't drink any alcohol or recreational drugs. It can excite you brain. Also, if you're having medicine because of the anxiety you shouldn't smoke or use ANY alcohol, since it can affect the way that the pills work
Anonymous
November 13th, 2014 9:20pm
The short answer it no. I have lots of mental health issues including anxiety and it really isn't good to take drugs or drink. I am actually not even allowed to drink because of the prescription medication I am currently taking for my mental issues.
One fact I know is that alcohol is a depressant so it will not help. It will numb pain but in the long run, that is much worse. I have had family do this a lot and it ended up causing them a lot of lost relationships and loneliness. Please stay away from self-treatement and see a professional.
Though I personally have never done drugs I have done my fair share of drinking. In which some included trying to drink away my feelings, now saying this I have never been an alcoholic or addicted to drinking regularly. But when trying to drink away feelings and emotions it feels good in the moment but when it all washes away back comes though feelings and emotions. So from personal experience drinking should not be done when experiencing anxiety because in the moment it feels good which can lead to more drinking and could possible become a bigger issue.
No, it is not a method that can help you about anxiety. They shouldn't be the things we apply when we face something hard for us because they will make the situation worse and worse.
Anonymous
October 24th, 2014 7:18am
When you feel anxious, close your eyes and breathe in slowly and gently through your nose for a while. Alcohol even causes anxiety. You can have hot chocolate or some tea instead.
It's not a good way for you to cope with your anxiety. It just covers up what's already there. There are many other different and healthier options to choose from.
You can, however I would try to abstain from it. I've found drinking alcohol or using recreational drugs only increased my feelings of anxiety..
Drugs and alcohol have been proven to increase health issues especially in those already suffering from depression and anxiety but yes; you can do so although it is strongly advised against.
Treating anxiety with alcohol or recreational drugs is like putting a bandaid on an infected wound without first using antibiotic. Sure it will feel better in the short term, but it wont address the problem directly and if left untreated, will actually make it worse.
I think there are lot's of stuff in life, rather than drinking alcohol and drugs, you should try to do things what you like the most, see deep inside your heart , and keep busy your self with activity which you love to do.
Many people with anxiety do use these, though I would recommend that you stay away from these if you suffer from anxiety: they can exacerbate the symptoms.
I don't think that mixing drugs or alcohol with anxiety helps. Alcohol and drugs can cause adverse reactions to anxiety and can even amplify problems
Really, a doctor or a psychiatrist is the best person to answer this sort of question. However, from my personal experience, any sort of mild-altering prescription medication is not really helpful when having anxiety attacks. I've never tried non-prescription drugs, but if you do I recommend you do your research thoroughly. Be safe. :)
Anonymous
June 5th, 2015 1:45pm
For me personally i would say yes and no. i wouldnt reccomend alcohol all it does is make you lose all inhibtion and do stupid things you will probably regret later which means you then end up more anxious, however some recreation drugs such as marijuana can help with anxiety, marijuana especially but you will need to try some different varieties until you find one that is right for you. its also a great way to meet chilled open minded people.
I strongly suggest you don't do that, because it can often result in worse anxiety. So the anxiety you are struggling with now will not go away or be reduced by you taking those drugs or drinking alcohol, it can only trigger it further and make things a lot worse in the long run.
Anonymous
August 3rd, 2015 8:18am
You could if you really wanted to, but often times alcohol and drugs can make anxiety worse. Prescribed medication meant for anxiety by a doctor may be a healthier method than self medicating.
Anonymous
May 13th, 2015 6:14pm
It is considered alcohol or drug abuse if you do such. If you told anyone you do that, you may be sent to a mental hospital or therapy. I know because I got this answer from many mental hospital Behavioral Health Assistants. Drugs and Alcohol might even increase anxiety in many.
That wouldn't be the best idea because people with anxiety often have an addictive personality and they find it easy to get addicted to something.
I feel that you should only use recreational drugs, if they are prescribed. Alcohol is never the answer. It deals with things temporarily.
You shouldn't use any kind of drugs at all times, it's bad for your body and mind. It will increase all the problems and give you new ones too
Anonymous
November 17th, 2014 5:27pm
Stay away for the meantime to make sure you prevent yourself from doing drugs again. Explain to them how you don't want that again
Anonymous
November 15th, 2014 2:17pm
It's best not to resort to alcohol and substance if one lives with anxiety as it can actually make our anxiety worst and even cause other problems such as family strain, other mental health concerns, and financial problems just to name a few.
Anonymous
November 8th, 2014 7:58pm
I do not think that that's a good idea, you have to confront yourself and it wouldn't be smart to push your problems away.
Sure. However, it may be useful to monitor how much you take and how it affects you. If you are taking any psychiatric medication you should ask your doctor before taking any other drugs or drinking alcoholic beverages, and make sure they are aware of what sort of drugs/alcohol you use and how much/often, because sometimes drugs, meds, and alcohol can have significant interactions. If you find that drugs or alcohol is becoming a coping tool, you may wish to substitute it for other healthier coping skills, like the ones taught in DBT and CBT. If your drug/alcohol use is not interfering with any medications or your daily life, then it's probably fine.
Related Questions: Can I drink alcohol or use recreational drugs if I have anxiety?
How do I get over feeling that everyone is going to leave me?Everything in my life is messed up. Motivation works temporarily and I'm not suicidal but feel it's pointless to live like this. What should I do to feel hopeful? How can I get what I need from my doctor? I feel extremely sick whenever I leave my house, what can I do? I have trouble with my school work due to procrastinating. And my anxiety always gets in the way. How do I get things done?A family member thinks I am lying about where I am going but I'm not, what should I do?How do I know if I did the right thing?Is it hard to think critically about something you love?How do I overcome the fear of cashiers?How can I convince myself that my friends don't hate me? I have this irrational fear that they actually hate me.