What's the alternative to booze?

Question

I tried to give up drink and was doing very well. However, I feel I need something to chill me out in social situations etc. Is there anything by prescription I could take to replace the drink? Drink makes me aggressive and I doing want to lose my girlfriend. Is valium, or similar, a possible solution?

Answer 1

Weed works

Answer 2

Rather then look straight to a chemical solution, try looking into the source of your anxiety. You may have a social anxiety disorder.
I found that once I knew what was causing the anxiety, I could call myself on it and relax a little. Avoiding putting yourself unnecessarily in situations where you will be uncomfortable is a good start. Whenever possible, I avoid any "get together" that involves having to be social with total strangers. It's just not my thing.
When you can't avoid a situation (forced family or work obligation, for example) you can try various natural techniques - deep breathing, visualization, etc.

If none of that works for you, St. Johns Wort (as suggested by another responder) might just do the trick - it works best in combination with natural relaxation techniques, though - it's not that strong on it's own.

Failing that, make an appointment to go see a doctor to discuss your anxiety issues, they can probably prescribe something for you.

I am not anti-drug or anti-alcohol. Some people struggle with it, and some don't. To say "don't do it" is making a judgement call that I am not entitled to make for you.
However, if you always turn to something fairly strong to relieve your anxiety (pot, alcohol, sedatives, etc) there is definately a tendancy to become reliant on them to relieve stress. You'll likely find that healthy, natural ways of relaxing just don't do the trick anymore.

Answer 3

A bit of the old whacky baccy sounds fitting! Not suited to all people though as sometimes it can cause paranoia - not in all cases just in some. Vallium is highly addictive and a member of my family is having problems with it at the moment(mixing it with alchohol causes severe aggression). Theres nothing else you can try without trying recreational drugs or herbal drugs(ecstacy/speed) which ou can buy legally and are also meant to be good! Please though stay away from valluim cos you could end up killing someone and waking up next day and cant remember what you've done. The way it makes you feel when mixed with alchohol is really dangerous and is bringing my family a lot of stress and anxiety.

Try tai chi - its something to focus on as well as being good for spiritual healing and all round relaxation. You would be fine going to that on a fri/sat night before meeting friends.

Answer 4

You need to learn to relax in social situations using no drugs or alcohol. Sounds like you just haven't learned to make small talk, etc. and feel the need to get high in some way to be more relaxed and outgoing. Replacing drink with something else is not the answer.

Answer 5

Addictions are very difficult to overcome. I have seen a number of people over the years who couldn't go a day without a drink. End result - their marriage or relationship failed, they lost their job, and they were totally miserable, but here they were still coming to the bar. It just never made sense to me.

Have you gone to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings? If not, maybe you should because you seem concerned about your relationship with your girlfriend. That tells me that you don't want to "fall off the wagon". AA can provide all kinds of support and offer alternatives. Check them out.

I hope your situation works out for the best for you.

Good Luck & Merry Christmas

Answer 6

You don't need anything except a smile and a willingness to listen to others - everyone likes a good listener. Think a lot less about you and more about the other people - concentrate on making sure they are all enjoying themselves and not feeling left out - that way you won't have time to feel stressed. Offer to fetch drinks, pass round the nibbles or hang up the coats - ask people what their plans are for Xmas, holidays etc. You can do it!

Answer 7

People do not rely on external "things" to "chill me out". This is an internal, self control issue. Most people do not use drugs or alcohol as a crutch because it sets up a coping pattern that is detrimental. Why don't you work on yourself so that your girlfriend comes to know who you really are. She doesn't want you drugged up or aggressive. Keep your system clean for the sake of your future children.

Answer 8

Try some 5htp.

Weed can lead to psychotic states and isn't recommended for use in whatever situation.

Alcohol is just for losers who will learn of its' many dangers in time.

Valium is addictive.

Answer 9

there are many people in the same situation as you but there problem continues without help and they end up alcoholics with everyone they loved hating them.

you see you have a problem but what you need to realise is its not the alcohol that makes you violent its your relaxed mind allows you to feel things that you are scared of which makes you aggressive.

i think you need to talk with someone professionally I'm sure they will lead you in the right direction

but please realise you have made the first step in admitting you have a problem i think you are very brave

Answer 10

going from one drug to another is know good but valium is used for acute alcohol withdrawl and for that its probobly a temporary deal so discuss that with ur doc, i take it everyday but i have severe anxiety and i do know when i go to wean off it is gonna SUCK....good luck buddy and its good u wanna give up the drink there is always supports groups but u need to do what works for u..don't ruin ur life..

Answer 11

Have you had some counselling? It may help to give you some strategies to cope in social situations without the need of medication.