Self-Treating Agoraphobia with Alcohol: A Dangerous Solution

Agoraphobia is one of the anxiety disorders. Many people who have agoraphobia may turn to alcohol or even drugs as a form of self-treatment. This is understandable but unfortunate, as agoraphobia can be treated effectively with no need for alcohol abuse.

People who don't drink may not necessarily start abusing alcohol, although it could happen. Those who already do drink, may drink more, since they probably think it helps.

The problem is, it probably does help, which is why they feel compelled to use alcohol, but it's the wrong way of dealing with agoraphobia. Try never to get into this habit.

Alcohol's Effect Is Temporary

Those who don't drink won't understand, but those who do, (and even if you don't have agoraphobia and are reading this), will know that alcohol has a way of giving you confidence.

After a drink or two, people get a little louder, funnier, feel more open, honest and confident. A guy with low confidence suddenly has the courage to talk to a girl, maybe ask her out.

An agoraphobic person may use alcohol for the relaxation, carefree attitude and confidence it gives them. Expressed in another way, they may have an "I don't give a shit" attitude.

They may then decide to go out on their own, perhaps further then they are accustomed to, because with the alcohol's effect, they feel braver and couldn't give a damn.

The alcohol's effect could last for about an hour. They may decide to do this form of therapy and quickly come back before the effects wear off. Their outings and anxiety-provoking situations don't bother them as much.

The agoraphobia and alcohol cycle continues. Alcohol brings a quick effect as well as a quick result. But now, they depend on it. They may be thought of as an alcoholic, even though they are not.

Now they have 2 problems. You can't always rely on alcohol, especially if you go for a job interview or to the grocery store at 8am smelling of booze. Yet, it's hard to do it any other way for them.

Use Better, Healthier, Longer-Lasting Solutions

There are effective treatments for agoraphobia. Alcohol temporarily masks it. Please don't use alcohol. You have many other options. Cognitive behavioral therapy along with medication is very helpful.

Hypnosis, herbal remedies, programs like The Linden Method or Panic Away, exposure therapy - these are all methods you can try, rather than alcohol. It may be very difficult to break the alcohol habit. Stick with products and programs that work.

As you can see, you have many choices, some better than others, but these are options that will be more helpful. If you have agoraphobia and alcohol is your way of dealing with it, consider better, longer-lasting benefits. Try not to drink because you have to.