Facing fears tonight & I'm scared. Any advice?

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I live in a dorm (I have my own room and my own bathroom but share the kitchen with several other students) and tonight there's a huge birthday party for a girl who lives here. There will be at least 40 people here (to me that's a huge party). I'm very anxious to say the least.

What you should know about me is that I'm diagnosed with several anxiety disorders (and depression). I've probably mentioned that before. Anyway, Social Anxiety Disorder is one of them. Since I'm also very introverted and probably have Asperger's (according to specialists) social situations are difficult for me. Socialising doesn't come naturally to me, I'm very anxious about meeting new people, I'm sensitive to noise, I don't know what to say and how to act in social situations and crowds in general make me feel like I just want to run away and hide. Sometimes I get so anxious around new people and/or new (and unpredictable) situations that I pretty much go mute. I freak out on the inside and eventually shut down.

The people in my dorm have convinced me to participate for a little while. They think it's boring that I don't really participate in events. I'm REALLY dreading the whole thing. I have an exam which I really need to study for tomorrow so I can't really drink that much tonight but still I just feel like drinking as much as possible so I don't have to feel as anxious as I would feel if I was sober (though I still feel anxious and stuff when not sober).

The party starts in about an hour. I don't want to go. I really really really don't want to and I'm scared. My heart is already beating fast, I forget to breathe sometimes and I feel that quite horrible feeling in the chest/pit of my stomach. It will get worse.

Any advice?

EDIT: Just to be clear: I'm going to the party. Just for a little while. I need to prove to myself and to the people living here that I am capable of trying (even though it freaks me out).

I don't really know what you expect of the people who respond to this post, by the title you imply that you are definitely going but by the text you imply you are not. I think you ought to go, personally. You'll learn nothing by avoidance!
I of all people understand how hard this is for you, it's hard for many of us, but you do yourself no favours by staying out of it.
Do you have relaxation strategies? Or positive statements? If so, use them!
But above all, if you want my opinion that is, just do it!
Carpe Diem! Carpe Diem! Carpe Diem!

Someone once told me that in setting boundaries I should focus on two things: 1. Say what is true; 2. Say only what is necessary.

So, in such cases I also find that "I am not feeling well" works. I find it healthy self-advocacy without compromising my integrity with some elaborate lie about headaches or such. I am still learning to respect ASD as a real live condition not too unlike more familiar medical issues, and not feeling well emotionally or mentally is just as valid as not feeling well physically; and I am under no obligation to state anything more than "not feeling well".

Yay! Have fun! Trust me, I understand how hard it is, or at least, probably understand more than your dorm mates!
One of my biggest regrets is not going to this one party everybody I knew went to, I felt like an outcast for ages afterwards and I couldn't understand why I couldn't bring myself to go.
Still, we live and learn!
I'm sure it'll be fine, just relax! (As patronising as that sounds! ) Imagine how great you'll feel if it all goes well!

Sorry you're so nervous, vortex.

People whom you meet do not know you are nervous inside and won't be judging you harshly like you might think. Instead, just project a nice image and you're already ahead. You don't need to talk to people much at all, instead, be a good listener! People love someone who listens - let them do the talking and smile, asking them prompting questions as necessary. You don't need to stick with the whole crowd. Instead, just find a group of 1 or 2 and approach them by just saying 'hi.' You needn't try to impress anybody. You can offer a nice (& honest) compliment to someone, like 'I like your dress.'

Maybe you're being too hard on yourself - enjoy the setting of the party. Are the flowers nice? How is the room arranged? Wear your favourite outfit and smile. Enjoy the good food and drink.

I think you should try to go. Set aside your worries (there's much more important things to worry about) and just think of it as a neutral experience where you're the observer. If you get tired or too anxious, just excuse yourself. Besides, you might meet someone who really likes you after all.

CRAP! I completely forgot you're supposed to bring birthday gifts to a birthday party! First social faux pas of the night. Really freaking out now!

You might feel better if you do make an appearance, even just a brief one before slipping out of the door. If it's just anxiety weighing on you then go, but if it's disinterest then that's different.