Self-confidence is integral in how we go through our lives and our success. As mentioned before, I believe that there is a definite link between self-esteem/confidence and alcohol. There is more of a probability for people that struggle with confidence issues to abuse alcohol.
The person with a lack of confidence is usually afraid to meet new people and feels trapped in his/her own world. Going out can cause a great deal of anxiety that is very hard to overcome, and leaves the victim feeling "locked up" and unable to speak. Ingesting alcohol is an easy way to ease the feelings of anxiety, and once a person who has anxiety issues tries alcohol, they realize that the beverage could easily be an answer to their problems, as the alcohol wards off inhibition and feelings of inadequacy.
The temporary relief of these feelings of extreme anxiety at first seems to be invaluable to the victims of low self-confidence. The sufferer, after a few drinks, will feel confident, "witty", and charming in social situations. In actuality, the inebriated person already has these charming qualities, but a lack of confidence and debilitating anxiety keep them from exhibiting these traits. This can leave one feeling "trapped" within themselves, and desperate to find a way out.
What happens as time goes by, the brain will let the person know that he/she can be social, but only after drinking. This translates to not being able to go out without having a few alcoholic beverages. If the root cause of the anxiety is not examined, this cycle will continue, and the situation has no other recourse than to become worse, and in the future, uncontrollable.
Of course, in the later stages of alcoholism, it becomes harder and harder to quit, as the body becomes dependent on it physically. Upon quitting for a time, users may experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Depending on the stage of alcoholism, these symptoms can range from anxiety (which was probably present in the first place) to seizures and delirium.
But the main point of this is to point out that alcoholism is usually the product of a low self-confidence/anxiety disorder. Once a person begins to have confidence, the need to drink (especially heavily) dwindles to a certain extent. It doesn't become an everyday "mission" like some people make it. I have friends that try their best to drink an 18-pack of beer every day, and they are miserable. They also begin to lose respect among their peers, and that makes them even more depressed. Now, on top of having to ween off of alcohol and develop a new way of thinking, they are also burdened with the original source of anxiety.
It's important to us that we begin to learn how to manage our lives confidently and without outside stimuli.
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2 comments:
I am going through many of the things you mention on your blogs, including drinking excessive amounts just to be "normal" and to be able to socialize despite the consequences. At a time when my life long battle with anxiety (among other health problems) has me continuously in a spiraling free fall, your blog is a tremendous blessing!
With no resources available to seek professional help and with my family thinking all I have are excuses as to why I am not making progress in life, day to day living has become increasingly more difficult to the point where the simplest of tasks just aren't getting done. At this point, they no longer want to hear anything that I say about my disorder and am more or less on my own to deal. I am so grateful for your help here, it means alot, and it reminds many people out there like us that we share the same struggle and that we are not alone in going through these problems even if we don't personally know each other. Thanks again and please blog more, this has given me hope for the future! :)
S,
Hey, thanks a lot for the comment. I know I took forever to respond, but I appreciate it! I have been writing new posts recently, and I'll have them up soon, so stay tuned! In the mean time, just keep on keepin' on, and I wish you well. You CAN change your mind, it just takes time and persistence.
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