A feeling of dread to socialize, fearing that any action you take is wrong. This outlook can lead to developing substance use disorder (SUD) since the euphoric effects of using substances alleviate societal pressures.
Anxiety can make socializing feel like an impossible math problem. It can be taxing trying to fit in with your peers in social settings. There could be buzzing thoughts on what is most acceptable to say without being judged. On top of that, people are unpredictable, so there is no telling how they might react to you.
What Is Social Anxiety?
If you have the intense feeling as if you are being watched or judged for the past six months or more, that is likely social anxiety. This can affect the way you perform at work, at home, or in your close relationships. Social anxiety can stem from childhood or during the school years, ranging from public speaking to making friends.
The fear of being ostracized and perceived can frighten an individual so much that they would start avoiding public spaces to ease their anxiety. Some people can be social butterflies and still have social anxiety. In this case, it applies toward performances such as having stage fright.
The symptoms of social anxiety include:
- Blushing
- Sweating
- Rapid heart rate
- Rigid body posture or speaking in a soft voice
- Difficulty keeping eye contact
- Having a brain fart or feeling self-conscious
Why Are We Using Substances to Overcome Social Anxiety?
Individuals can revert to using substances to ease this or any disorder for several reasons, including:
- To feel more sociable
- Lessening their worries about the perception of them
- Feeling more comfortable in social interactions
One of the most common substances used to overcome social anxiety is alcohol. The use of alcohol increases substance use in drugs such as cannabis and opioids. In a recent study, 257 participants ages 18-25 engaged in a two-year study to see how many of them used alcohol and cannabis to cope with social anxiety. As a result, they discovered that the participants who used alcohol alone or with cannabis drank more and were reported to have positive and negative alcohol-related effects. Those who used alcohol short-term with or without cannabis reported having a better mood or feeling more social. Regardless, the study concluded that the more frequently young adults indulged in substances to cope with social anxiety, the more they would experience negative effects.
Does Using Substances Make It Better?
The simple answer is no. In fact, using substances can curate other mental health issues and SUD. According to Social Work in Public Health, “Converging evidence from epidemiologic and treatment studies indicate that anxiety disorders and substance use disorders commonly co-occur, and the interaction is multifaceted and variable.”
While you think you are curing social anxiety by using substances, you can create a co-occurrence of ongoing anxiety symptoms and SUD. It has also been proven that using substances can worsen your mental health by manifesting other mental illnesses. If you or a loved one has a SUD, it can create other mental disorders such as:
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Personality disorders
- Schizophrenia
If you feel as if you have SUD and another mental disorder, it is more effective to treat both of them simultaneously versus separately. It can be hard to have a proper diagnosis because some of the symptoms are the same for both disorders.
The Answer to Overcoming Social Anxiety
Creative expression is one of the common ways to overcome the fear of social interactions. Some people say becoming vulnerable through creating art through writing, painting, or dancing. Other activities someone can do to ease their anxiety can be:
- Meditating
- Crocheting
- Playing puzzle games
- Watching a movie or TV series that brings comfort
You can also be prescribed medication that helps with anxiety and other mental disorders. This is not to say you are weak or something is wrong with you. In fact, those with social anxiety feel their fear so intensely it feels out of their control. Medication dedicated to handling these disorders gives you better control over your life.
Another way that can help you overcome social anxiety can be defined as the scariest option: talking to people. It has been proven that practicing public speaking or gradually introducing yourself can help you be triumphant over this disorder.
Where to Find Help
At Renaissance Ranch, our supportive staff offers cognitive-behavioral on-site treatment to guide you on your road to recovery. We also provide clinical therapy for modalities such as music, art, and adventure. They also have options for intensive outpatient treatment for SUDs and/or other mental disorders.
With Renaissance Ranch, you are encouraged to seize the day with intention and hope. Our purpose is to build connections for life, and we remind you that you are not alone. Remember, there are others who can share your experiences.
Social anxiety can become too intense to handle. People’s perceptions of you can create fear or dread of even going to the grocery store and talking to a cashier. Using substances creates escapism to lessen the wandering eyes you feel are there. What you think benefits life’s worries, actually creates more problems with your mental health. Substance use disorder (SUD) can co-occur with any ongoing mental disorders you might have. It is important for your health in the long run to adopt healthier alternatives to cope with social anxiety. You are stronger than you think and believe. If you or a loved one suffers from social anxiety, please call (801) 308-8898.