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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by becksA on December 25, 2005, at 10:26:03
I have been diagnosed with cyclothemia and severe social anxiety disorder. I am in a very tough position because I crave close friends, girl friends...etc..
1 year ago,I moved to the area and do not know anybody, and I've been getting myself into serious trouble. I have gotten 2 DUI's since I moved here. Until these situations, I've never been arrested for anything. There is no public transportation, but also I cannot find places to meet other people besides the bar (I'm way too shy and anxious to randomly pick up a conversation in a book store for example).Can anybody somewhat relate to my problem? Please I'd really like some ideas or comments.
Thanks
Posted by med_empowered on December 25, 2005, at 17:04:08
In reply to Social Anxiety -- alcohol abuse - support please!, posted by becksA on December 25, 2005, at 10:26:03
I don't know what to do about meeting people..do you live walking distance from anything cool? That might help.
As for meds...Klonopin's the classic SA med. You might want to try antidepressants first, maybe a mood stabilizer as an add-on. See if that helps before moving onto benzos.
Good luck!
Posted by James K on December 25, 2005, at 18:55:01
In reply to Social Anxiety -- alcohol abuse - support please!, posted by becksA on December 25, 2005, at 10:26:03
I hesitate to bring this up, because I have extremely mixed feelings about it, but A.A. is a place to meet people. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. If you have 2 recent DUI's, you probably need to stop for a while even if you don't "need" to. Some meetings are more fun than others.
Paxil helped me with social anxiety. I was a heck of a book salesman when i added Paxil to welbutrin and klonopin. But, I was also an out of control aggressive road rage impulsive alcoholic when I wasn't at work. I've never found bars to be a good place to make friends - too loud. Fun to go with friends you've made elsewhere though. Not A.A. friends!
James K
Posted by Phillipa on December 25, 2005, at 19:59:40
In reply to Re: Social Anxiety -- alcohol abuse - support please! » becksA, posted by James K on December 25, 2005, at 18:55:01
I don't know if this is a good idea or not but what about internet dating? That way you can chat with someone first. Just a thought. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by becksA on December 25, 2005, at 21:39:26
In reply to Re: Social Anxiety -- alcohol abuse - support plea, posted by Phillipa on December 25, 2005, at 19:59:40
Actually I'm required by the court right now to go to AA meetings three times a week. So i'm becoming quite familiar with it. However, I know and everybody involved with me in this case knows I'm not an alcoholic.
However, a couple posters ago brought upa good point, the only requirement is the desire to stop drinking. They do seem like friendly people, but at the same time it's almost a pressure feeling where after my probation if I wanted to socially drink they would look down on it.
As far as internet dating? I'm kind of in denial about trying something like that right now. I'm starting school again in a couple weeks, maybe join a few study groups. Thanks for the help....
Posted by bart on December 26, 2005, at 13:16:52
In reply to Social Anxiety -- alcohol abuse - support please!, posted by becksA on December 25, 2005, at 10:26:03
I had a very similar experience a couple of years ago too and I've gone the AA route and been sober ever since I realized what a sick alcoholic I am. I've also heard Klonopin is pretty widely prescribed. Kind of wish I could try some before speaking at AA meetings, but use of benzos for a recovering alcoholic is not recommended from what I understand.
Posted by RobertDavid on December 26, 2005, at 13:47:07
In reply to Re: Social Anxiety -- alcohol abuse - support please!, posted by bart on December 26, 2005, at 13:16:52
I used to treat my social anxiety with alcohol. It failed as depression and more anxiety ultimately was the end result of drinking.
After trying many drugs I took klonopin. By far the best thing to ever help with my social anxiety, but you have to find the dose that works. Many try it, take to little and don't think it works for them. Most people with social anxiety end up somewhere between 1 and 4mgs (there are exceptions).
My doctor suggests that people who have social anxiety rarely abuse klonopin even if they have drinking problems. Few increase their dose to chase the buzz (the buzz or sedation typically goes away once you've found your affective dose, but the anxiety benefits remain).
Two meds that stand out if social anxiety is the primary issue are klonopin or Nardil. I haven't tried Nardil, but many here swear by it. I swear by klonopin. I've taken it 12 years, changed my life.
With your legal trouble from drinking you might want to give it a rest for a while and see a doc, get on a medication. If you get some relief from the meds, then perhaps you can find out if you can be a social drinker (or not).
Just my take. Lots of other great advise here.
Posted by Emily Elizabeth on December 30, 2005, at 13:06:10
In reply to Social Anxiety -- alcohol abuse - support please!, posted by becksA on December 25, 2005, at 10:26:03
I can relate to the feeling of being alone and wanting folks to do fun things with. Do you have a hobby? Classes or clubs about hobbies can be a good place to meet people. Of course, your budget may be a limiting factor, but on the other hand, there are all types of things out there. For example, my mom met a good buddy in a cake decorating class. There are exercise classes, scrapbooking classes, knitting classes--you name it! Arts and crafts type things might be good b/c you can work and talk at the same time. Also, other people there are probably interested in having a conversation.
Someone said internet dating. I've done it in the past and have friends who do it. One friend is really into it and goes out several times a week on a date. I only did it a little, but I got one good relationship out of it. (We broke up, but we still chat).
Good luck!
EE
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