Posted by Caleb462 on June 6, 2003, at 23:32:35
In reply to Within ALCOHOL may lie the answer, posted by Michael Bell on June 4, 2003, at 21:46:15
> For many with social phobia, it seems that no drug or combo of drugs comes close to the anti-anxiety and anti-depressive effects of a few drinks. In my own experience (someone with severe social phobia, now controlled for the most part), a few beers on their own are superior to any drug or supplement I've ever tried. Throw in a GABA based drug with those 2-3 beers, and forget it. I become EXTREMELY social, disinhibited (but not out of control), funny, confident, and yet not manic and in total control of myself. Socializing comes as naturally breathing, and it's like the words just form on their own. It's like I always have a response, and it's always the right thing to say. Sometimes I amaze myself!
>
> This gives me hope. It means that there is a known substance that totally defeats social phobia, and one of the oldest beverages on earth no less. The question is, how do we gain the positive effects of alcohol without the negative. Are scientists studying what the exact neurochemical effects of alcohol are?
>
> This is my project: I am going to compile as much information as possible regarding the exact neurochemical and physiological effects of alcohol. Then I'm going to try and identify which drugs come closest to mimicking each of these effects. Theoretically, a cocktail of these drugs, in their right dosages, should prove really effective for SP. I know this is all conjecture and theory, but I tell you this - right there in my fridge are three cans of a substance that turns me into a the person I want to be. Please don't take this as an encouragement to drink. Alcoholism is a debilitating, deadly illness. But maybe there's a reason why alcohol hasn't lost its popularity after thousands of years...
I don't know... makes me feel like crap, usually. Alcohol for me is actually anxiogenic, increases obsessions, increases depression, and makes me want to isolate myself. Not ALWAYS... but this has been my usual response. I respond very differently to this drug then most people I guess.
poster:Caleb462
thread:231507
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030604/msgs/232053.html