Kinda torn between using alcohol or anxiolitics.

I've had some success with anxiolitic like phenibut or skullcap/lemonbalm tinctures, but they have side effects too.

I know someone who brew beer, so even-though I'm not too fond of alcohol taste, the tools are already there. I also get enough 'buzz' just from a quarter pint of 5% beer to deal with my anxieties. So the side effect from alcohol shouldn't be as much either, and homebrew beer supposedly have some health benefits too if I drink in such moderation (I'd probably drink like one bottle every week).

I might do more reading about anxiolitics as I've forgotten about their side effect risks.

I am not sure if this is appropriate to post here, but does anyone have any opinion? ^^

Ah yeah the reason is that I get scared of things like social situations w/ many people, and it's very hard to handle without help from anxiolitics/alcohol.

Well, my opinion is that you should see a therapist about your anxieties. I used drugs and alcohol to try and control my anxiety for years and it lead me down a really horrible path. All it did was make things worse and cause even more problems then I had before.

I'll try to do that too. It's kinda hard with limited transport and money right now though.

Thanks. ^^

private message me if you want to talk, I've been where you are and maybe I can help.

Alcohol induces anxiolysis (is an anxiolytic) so I'd use whatever you prefer but if you are only drinking one beer a week, that does not seem much of a serious anxiety issue? My first line of defense would be to figure out how to deal with my anxiety better so I do not have to take anything for it.

private message me if you want to talk, I've been where you are and maybe I can help.

That's actually why I only need it now and then, because I've been dealing with it through other ways. It's sometimes borderline on non-permanent self-injury at times. Feeling ugly and worthless can do wonders on causing anxiety. In bigger crowd, it can make me feel overloaded and hyperventilate/etc.

I've gotten to get where I only need it on specific occasions and I would prefer not to take anything, but sometimes without help I basically freeze and cannot function. Hiding from people rather than interacting, shaking and tuning out the world, etc. :x

Also, I still get anxious just going out by myself, often. Even trying to jog at like 4-5 am when no one is awake, I still worry about people looking at me and such. I think I can work on that though, just the kind of anxiety I get on social situation is stronger and limit my interactions.

I also used alcohol initially to help with my anxiety but it turned out bad. Alcohol is proven to cause anxiety on the following day for the person that uses it and this has actually hurt me tremendously in the long run as I'm an anxious person.

Aw, sorry to hear that, Mustkeepjob32.
It's probably a common case where alcohol make things worse. For me in very specific situation it actually kinda work, but I'm a very bubbly/mellow drunk and I only need a little to feel the buzz. Still it's definitely risky since in my past experience, alcohol + depression can really enhance the depression as well. >.<;

Aella, have you considered valerian root?

my experience is that I tend to turn to a small amount of alcohol when I am stressed..... it typically works for me (not for huge anxiety issues). I also know that my shrink hates the concept.

Ultimately in this world - I think you have to find out what works for you and as long as it does not harm anyone else - then I think it is acceptable.

Gods blessings to you.