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Can I drink alcohol or use recreational drugs if I have anxiety?

71 Answers
Last Updated: 09/21/2020 at 4:16pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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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
ChasingInsomnia
July 7th, 2015 7:44am
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.
originalLion57
June 12th, 2015 9:47am
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.
mjanewatson
October 29th, 2014 2:36pm
Alcohol or drugs can feel like way out if you feel anxious but it actually can make things worse than they actually are. Not in the moment.
Betti1996
October 26th, 2014 4:27pm
No, you can't! The alcohol and the drugs are harmful but anxiety just amplify the effect of them. I have to mention the fact that your anxiety will be amplified, too.
KayBay
October 27th, 2014 1:36am
i would not recomend either of these methods for anxiety as alcohol is a depressant and will make things worse anyway and some drugs have that effect too
Anonymous
October 27th, 2014 3:21am
No because it only covers up the problem, it doesn't solve it. After the high or buzz wears off then you feel even worse because now on top of anxiety, you have a hangover or you just feel gross about yourself.
Elis
October 27th, 2014 6:09pm
It is not good to use any kinds of drugs or substances to relieve anxiety if they are not prescribed to you by a doctor. Getting into the habit of using drugs is harmful for the body, as you will start to feel addicted to the substances. It is best to discuss the problem with a medical doctor who has experience with anxiety, and knows the best way to help you with your specific situation.
share
October 27th, 2014 6:40pm
I am sorry you are suffering from anxiety, that has to be tough. In answer to your question, I would never want to cause you harm so I am going to suggest you ask that question of your physician or pharmacist.
Ashlee0899
October 28th, 2014 12:51am
Would emphatically recommend no! This can only worsen your condition and/or get you addicted to these substances.
Anonymous
October 29th, 2014 3:49am
I have learned that only makes things worse. Masking your problems doesn't make them go away. And eventually when you have to face them, they will seem more overwhelming.
Anonymous
October 29th, 2014 12:11pm
No. Alcohol is alright only occasionally, and in small amounts, like, a glass of wine on festivals. Drugs are bad and will ruin your life. Maybe not at first, but they will most certainly ruin your life. Try drinking orange juice and eating apple pie and cakes instead. They are much better and orange juice is extremely healthy. (Besides, from what I've heard, alcohol doesn't taste good anyway).
Anonymous
October 25th, 2014 5:26pm
Yes you can do it, but if it is wise depends on the reason you want to and the way you would respond to it. For instance it can either numb you, or make your symptoms worse.
Sofia
November 3rd, 2014 8:12pm
Well, literally speaking, you can. It is your own free choice. The questions you should be asking are: Should I? Will this help me? Is this a healthy way to deal with my issue? What am I running from, and how can I face it?
zconnorg
November 4th, 2014 3:31am
You could, but it is probably not a good idea. Alcohol and/or recreational drugs can sometimes make your anxiety worse instead of help your anxiety. Or it could help your anxiety for the moment but then make you depressed over time. If you're going to use something to treat your anxiety, properly prescribed medicine by a doctor is your best bet. Self-medicating can lead to many problems.
lightPetrichor34
November 4th, 2014 6:31pm
From my own personal experience (and this would be a good question to ask a doctor or therapist, or even somebody on the anxiety help line), it's not the best way to cope. Usually it makes me more anxious, and a lot of people I've known have experienced the same thing, especially with recreational drugs - the last thing you need is a bad trip. If you're in a good place and feel safe, using these things responsibly might not trigger your anxiety, but if you start to feel it coming on you might want to stop. In general, though, not doing these things is healthier both physically and mentally, especially if you've been struggling.
tjb28
November 8th, 2014 5:26pm
If alcohol or drugs are taken and you have anxiety it may affect your mood become low,loss of appetite ,Have you been to a doctor about your anxiety>
Minh
October 25th, 2014 3:31pm
It is not a good idea to use alcohol or recreational drugs if you have anxiety. Talking to people that are close to you and understand you is a better treatment.
Uniqueg
October 23rd, 2014 8:52pm
Maybe you should ask your doctor, there may be some medicine your doctor can prescribe that can be helpful.
Anonymous
November 9th, 2014 1:29am
I mean the choice is up to you but it increases fear because their a possibility that you could get caught
enchantingApple96
July 18th, 2017 5:36am
Alcohol and drugs have the biggest acts of making people anxious and more stressful. If you want to use drugs, it will be better for you to take anti-anxiety drugs or have a time to exercise. Exercising will decrease the tensity of anxiety.
FrenchToast
September 21st, 2020 4:16pm
While alcohol can reduce anxiety temporarily, it can also increase anxiety within just a few hours of consumption. This includes even moderate amounts of alcohol, and the effects on anxiety can last into the following day. Depression and anxiety are also associated with long-term use or withdrawal from many substances, including stimulants, club drugs, cannabis, opiates, and alcohol. So while we might feel relaxed after a drink, in the long run alcohol has an impact on mental health and can contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety, and make stress harder to deal with. So be careful when you think of doing either of those things.
Iauren
March 1st, 2016 8:25pm
I highly suggest you to not, due to alcohol being a depressant and both forms (alcohol and drugs) are only temporary feelings to relieve you from your anxiety, which could most likely come back worse while you're using those substances or one you sober up.
Anonymous
June 13th, 2017 4:59pm
It is recommended that you avoid alcohol for your anxiety, seeing as it can worsen it. There are more ways to treat your anxiety. Maybe try some relaxation techniques like yoga or try meditating.
dancingJoy75
February 7th, 2017 4:10pm
Probably gonna make your anxiety much worse so best not to if you can avoid it. You will have a much better time if you avoid it.
Happy2help4u
November 6th, 2017 4:21pm
I would not suggest this. Alcohol & drugs are know to heighten anxiety levels and may even prolong the anxiety. It would be great to find something more suitable like walking, music, crafts just anything that can take your mind to a different place for a short while
Arkelight
November 7th, 2017 8:56pm
Self-medicating is often a mistake. You can easily become dependent on alcohol or drugs and your ability to regulate that appropriately in relation to easing your anxiety becomes impaired. Anxiety is a learned behavior, picture the situations that you feel anxious about in the safety of your own home and analyse it. Why do you feel anxious? Is there a threat? Reassess the situation.
troubleBreaker
December 25th, 2017 12:06pm
Hi, the direct answer is no. The consumption of alcohol or recreational drugs should not be based on your feeling anxious. These are not effective cures or mitigators. Often, they may make you feel worse. In case you feel anxious, talk to someone. If that does not help, try seeking professional help in your institution: school, university or workplace, if possible. You may also seek professional help outside of your institutions. There are a lot of resources on the Web regarding anxiety. You might want to check them out as well.
sparkle2011
February 6th, 2018 1:52pm
It is best to proceed with extreme caution with drugs or alcohol when you are struggling with anxiety. Do your research, and know your limits. Make sure your medications will not react badly, and keep to occasional, moderate use.
specialEars16
February 17th, 2020 7:44am
Speaking from personal experience, alcohol only worsens anxiety after the initial boost in mood and confidence. The worst bouts of depression and anxiety only hit after a day or two (varies from person to person). Other recreational drugs like weed do help initially and are effective if taken in moderation (once or twice a month). I know this might feel a bit insensitive, but turning to drugs/alcohol for anxiety is just running away from the problem. Anxiety never really goes away. But you can better handle it if you are sober and know your limitations, instead of just going "YOLO".