Social anxiety and alcohol often intersect in complex and troubling ways. For many, feeling nervous in social situations—like meeting new people or presenting at work—is a normal, occasional challenge. However, for those living with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), these feelings of fear, self-consciousness, and anxiety are constant and overwhelming. To manage this discomfort, some turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism. Unfortunately, research reveals that individuals with SAD face a higher risk of developing alcohol abuse issues, with a SAD diagnosis frequently preceding alcohol dependency. Understanding this connection is essential to addressing both conditions effectively. Atlanta Detox Center shares what you need to know about the link between SAD and alcohol abuse.

What Is Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)?

Social anxiety disorder, or SAD, is a condition in which someone experiences crippling anxiety and fear of embarrassment in social situations. SAD is one of the most common disorders in the United States, affecting approximately 15 million adults today.1

If left untreated, social anxiety disorder can severely impact every aspect of an individual’s life. Those with unchecked social anxiety disorder often experience low self-esteem, negative self-talk, poor social skills, and even suicidal thoughts. Other common symptoms include extreme fear or preoccupation with social events, nausea around other people, difficulty speaking or making eye contact, rapid heartbeat, and extreme self-awareness and discomfort in social situations.

How Are Social Anxiety and Alcohol Abuse Related?

People with social anxiety disorder (SAD) often turn to alcohol as a way to self-medicate. Research shows that approximately 20 percent of those with social anxiety disorder ultimately develop an alcohol dependence.2 Another study showed that some anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder, precede alcohol use disorder in up to 80% of cases.3 This is because alcohol can relax the drinker, helping to mitigate the tension and stress that often come with social anxiety disorder. However, drinking alcohol can quickly spiral into an addiction, causing even greater problems than the social anxiety disorder causes alone.

While alcohol might make you feel more comfortable in social situations, it does nothing to help you improve your ability to manage or navigate social interactions. Additionally, the relief that alcohol provides from the symptoms of social anxiety disorder is only temporary. Often, these symptoms return—sometimes even worse—by the next day. Most individuals are diagnosed with social anxiety disorder about 10 years before developing a significant problem with alcohol.

Can Alcohol Make Social Anxiety Worse?

Yes, alcohol can make social anxiety significantly worse. While it may provide a short-term sense of calm, alcohol’s effects on the brain and body can exacerbate anxiety over time. For one, alcohol is a depressant, which can interfere with your brain’s natural ability to regulate mood and anxiety levels. This can lead to heightened feelings of nervousness or fear once the effects wear off.

Moreover, the reliance on alcohol as a coping mechanism can prevent individuals from developing healthier ways to manage social anxiety. This dependency can also lead to guilt, shame, and self-esteem issues, which further fuel the cycle of anxiety and alcohol use.

Alcohol withdrawal, even after moderate use, can amplify physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping. These withdrawal symptoms can make social interactions feel even more daunting, trapping individuals in a cycle of drinking to cope and experiencing worsened anxiety as a result.

Recognizing how alcohol contributes to and worsens social anxiety is a critical step toward breaking this cycle and seeking healthier, more effective ways to manage both conditions. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse and social anxiety, our detox facility in Georgia can help make recovery possible.

How Can You Tell if You’re an Alcoholic?

Although drinking for social anxiety can start as a benign situation, it can quickly spiral into a problem that is outside of your control. If you’re wondering if you’re struggling with alcoholism in conjunction with your social anxiety disorder diagnosis, here are some guidelines that may indicate it’s time to get help:

• You need a drink every morning.
• Family members, friends, and others you know have expressed concern about your drinking habits.
• On average, you drink alcohol at least 4 times per week.
• You have at least five drinks in one day.

If any or all of these symptoms describe your relationship with alcohol, you may be suffering from alcohol abuse in conjunction with your social anxiety disorder. Call Atlanta Detox Center today at 844-658-0927 to take the first step toward recovery. Our compassionate team is here to guide you through a personalized detox from alcohol that addresses the impact of problematic drinking, giving you the tools to regain control of your life. 

How to Treat Social Anxiety and Alcohol Abuse

Depending on age and other factors, treatment options for those affected by social anxiety disorder and alcohol abuse are different from treatment options for those only diagnosed with social anxiety disorder. For example, while those who don’t have a full alcohol addiction can likely receive standard social anxiety disorder treatment, individuals diagnosed with alcoholism need treatment that is geared toward both their social anxiety disorder and alcoholism to have the best chance at recovery. Medical professionals like the team at Atlanta Detox Center can help you develop a unique treatment plan designed to fit your needs.

It’s also important to be aware that not all medications used to treat social anxiety disorder are approved for individuals who are struggling with alcoholism. This is why it’s so important to be honest with your healthcare provider about your alcoholism and how much you typically drink. It’s also important to carefully follow the guidelines for your medication. Here’s a look at some of the common medications that are used to treat individuals with social anxiety disorder but that should not be used to treat patients who also struggle with alcohol abuse:

• Benzodiazepines: Although benzodiazepines are used to treat social anxiety disorder, when combined with alcohol, they can cause respiratory suppression. Additionally, benzodiazepines are not recommended for those who are predisposed toward addiction because they can be habit-forming.
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): MAOIs, like benzodiazepines, can interact with alcohol to produce potentially dangerous effects. MAOIs are not recommended for those who drink.

Although several of the most common medications for treating social anxiety disorder are not recommended for those who also suffer from alcohol abuse, there are other treatment options available. Here’s an example of a medication that can help treat social anxiety disorder and alcohol abuse:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): SSRIs are commonly used to treat depression and anxiety and are widely considered to be the best treatment option for those who suffer from both social anxiety disorder and alcoholism. There are two reasons for this. First, SSRIs not only target social anxiety disorder but have also been shown to reduce the tendency to consume alcohol as a self-medication technique. Additionally, unlike many other medications, SSRIs are not habit-forming, making them an ideal option for those who are more prone to addiction.

Alternatives to Alcohol for Social Anxiety

Finding alternatives to alcohol for managing social anxiety is a crucial step in developing healthier coping mechanisms and fostering long-term well-being. While alcohol might seem like a quick fix, its effects are temporary and often lead to more significant issues, such as dependency or worsened anxiety. Instead, consider these healthier strategies for managing social anxiety:

• Practice Deep Breathing or Meditation: Techniques like deep breathing exercises or mindfulness meditation can help calm your nervous system, making social situations feel less overwhelming.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Working with a CBT-trained therapist can help you challenge negative thought patterns and build confidence in social interactions.
• Gradual Exposure: Slowly exposing yourself to social situations, starting with smaller, less intimidating gatherings, can help desensitize you to anxiety triggers over time.
• Engage in Physical Activity: Regular exercise can reduce anxiety levels and boost mood, helping you feel more at ease in social settings.
• Develop a Support Network: Surround yourself with understanding friends or join support groups for individuals with social anxiety to build connections in a safe, judgment-free environment.
• Practice Social Skills: Role-playing conversations or practicing small talk with trusted individuals can build confidence and reduce anxiety in real-world interactions.
• Drink Non-Alcoholic Alternatives: Opt for non-alcoholic drinks at social events. This allows you to participate without relying on alcohol while still enjoying the social aspect.
• Explore Relaxation Techniques: Activities like yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, or aromatherapy can help reduce overall anxiety and prepare you for social interactions.

By embracing these alternatives, individuals with social anxiety can gain tools to navigate social situations confidently without relying on alcohol.

Why Is It Important to Treat Both Social Anxiety Disorder and Alcohol Abuse?

Besides the risks that come from medications that only target social anxiety disorder, another reason it’s so important to treat these conditions together is because it reduces the risk of relapse. Individuals who only receive treatment for their alcohol problem and not social anxiety disorder are likely to relapse from resorting to self-medicating again. Research shows that those who are treated for alcoholism who also have social anxiety disorder are more likely to relapse than those who only suffer from alcoholism.

Finding Alcohol Detox Near Me

Understanding the relationship between social anxiety disorder and alcohol abuse is essential for correctly treating patients who are suffering from these conditions and helping them get back on the right track. The earlier individuals receive treatment, the greater the chances of long-term recovery.

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol abuse and social anxiety disorder, know that you aren’t alone. Although it’s normal to feel isolated, there are resources and support that can help you. Atlanta Detox Center offers effective medical detox programs in Georgia, resources, and support to the Atlanta area and Tennessee residents seeking treatment in a different environment. Our medical professionals can work with you to create a treatment plan that will allow you to succeed. 

Contact Atlanta Detox Center online or call us at 844-658-0927 to start your path toward recovery, healing, and a brighter future today.

Sources: 

1. Facts & Statistics: Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA. Anxiety & Depression Association of America. Accessed January 15, 2025. https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics.
2. Book SW, Randall CL. Social Anxiety Disorder and Alcohol Use. National Library of Medicine. 2002. Accessed January 15, 2025. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6683821/. 
3. Castillo-Carniglia A, Keyes KM, Hasin DS, Cerdá M. Psychiatric comorbidities in alcohol use disorder. U.S. National Library of Medicine. December 2019. Accessed January 15, 2025. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7006178/.