drinking and AS

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My friend most likely has AS. I joined wrongplanet to get some background on the traits of a person with AS.

Lately he's been going out more, which is great. I'm wondering if anyone here feels more comfortable after drinking? I've started to notice that he becomes more social if he's been drinking. Is this common? I hope he doesn't have to be drunk to be comfortable.

It is common, actually, Reeses. I love to drink when I'm going out for that reason. I drink way too much, though. They try and forbid me to have my shooters, like that'll ever happen.

The only time I can successfully communicate is:
a) When I'm drunk
b) When I'm stoned

So yes, its normal

I find socialising much easier with a couple of drinks inside me.

I get drunk extremely easily, and I don't like being drunk. I have to concentrate on things like walking in a straight line when I'm sober- being drunk makes things too hard! I am also emetophobic, and don't want to risk being so drunk I throw up or have a hangover. I have only been hungover once in my life, and I never want it to happen again.

However, if I drink one pint (Guinness, or Czech lager, or a proper English beer) I loosen up just enough to not feel so shy, and to not really care if people think I'm wierd.

I find pubs difficult places though, as my auditory processing is a little off, so I find conversing is somewhat hampered if there's too much background noise.

Yeah, that definitely is the case. Even when I'm feeling very asocial and can't help being a fly on the wall, alcohol will keep my social anxiety quite low.

same here

Same with me but I have to becareful becuse of low tolerance and meds but it does take the edge off a bit

i'm happy that he becomes more social, but at the same time i don't want to encourage drinking to be comfortable. but thank you so much for the replies!

Yeah, intoxication reduces anxiety, including social anxiety. Dutch courage, it's called. (No offense to the Dutch, of course...)

I don't get all that sociable when I drink. I feel more relaxed, but I tend to sit quietly just as I usually do. Mind you, I do drink in moderation. I don't know what effect a large amount of alcohol would have on me.

Interesting that so many Aspies here enjoy drinking, because I have never been able to get past the taste of alcohol. It's too strong for my admittedly-sensitive taste buds, and drinking enough to the point where I'd even feel a slight buzz feels like an ordeal. It seems pretty unusual, but if I was " usual " I wouldn't be posting here, right?

But as long as it doesn't become a crutch, Reeses, it's probably a good thing that your friend drinks a little to loosen up. And it speaks a lot about your character as a friend that you'd be willing to go onto this forum to learn more about Asperger's. It speaks good things, of course

thanks Nitz

I am not fond of alcohol at all. I have seen it destroy so many lives, including family members that I just can't get drunk. I will have an occasional beer or glass of wine once in a while, but no more. I would rather drink non-alcoholic brew (O'Douls, Sharps, etc.) if it is available.

Yeah, drinking loosens me up and gets me more social. The only problem is if I drink too much I get extremely depressed, so I'm currently trying to find something that isn't too alcoholic that I can drink throughout the night without it having side effects. Otherwise I'll have a few drinks and then have to stop while everyone else keeps drinking - and if that happens I'm likely to just keep drinking.
The other problem with drinking is I often get too friendly, which isn't the best thing to be in alot of situations..

Same. Last time I got drunk I spent the evening on my best friends' utility room floor. But still its better than being sober and well, sober to talk to.

Yeah, I know. Alcohol is the only way I can get through some social situations and appear somewhat NT. I figure, hey, it has fewer side effects than Risperdal and similar drugs.

Lol.

How about spiking the drinks of confident NTs with antidepressants. Might put them on the back foot for a change.