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

Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Sep 11, 2014
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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.
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Profile: RebeccaH
RebeccaH on Nov 17, 2014
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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
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Sep 15, 2014
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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
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Nov 11, 2014
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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.
Profile: BillNIndy75
BillNIndy75 on Nov 19, 2014
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While I would never condone using illegal substances or alcohol for anxiety issues, some reports have said that marijuana is good for helping anxiety.
Profile: ZoeAlwaysSmile
ZoeAlwaysSmile on Oct 30, 2014
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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
Profile: ImperfectlyPerfect
ImperfectlyPerfect on Nov 10, 2014
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Anxiety is typically worsened by alcohol and drugs. Doctors or professionals can advise better methods of coping with anxiety.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Nov 13, 2014
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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.
Profile: Caotn97
Caotn97 on Sep 15, 2014
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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.
Profile: Eylul
Eylul on Oct 27, 2014
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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.
Profile: Dhawal
Dhawal on Sep 14, 2014
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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.
Profile: Here4youtoday
Here4youtoday on Oct 17, 2014
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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
Profile: Hannah2020
Hannah2020 on Oct 23, 2014
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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..
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Oct 24, 2014
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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.
Profile: Dreamit2880
Dreamit2880 on Oct 26, 2014
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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.
Profile: pinecones
pinecones on Nov 5, 2014
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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.
Profile: SamWise70
SamWise70 on May 24, 2015
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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.
Profile: DipityEnigma
DipityEnigma on Jun 4, 2015
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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.
Profile: Uniqueg
Uniqueg on Oct 23, 2014
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Maybe you should ask your doctor, there may be some medicine your doctor can prescribe that can be helpful.
Profile: Minh
Minh on Oct 25, 2014
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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.
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