Now, just for fun, look at it from a different perspective!
Anxiety is an epidemic. Anxious when you go outside? Anxious when you meet new people? Anxious around crowds? Anxious when you talk to boys/girls? Anxious for no reason?
Drink this and the anxiety is gone!
Now it sounds like a potion made by the world's savior.
The issue though is that it's really only temporary... and still comes with negatives that can actually outlast the benefit. It also produces no cumulative benefit over long periods.... but it DOES produce cumulative NEGATIVES, and those can get *nasty*. I had an uncle who had that... Liver damage, you see... and he wasnt an alcoholic or anything. Just liked having wine at times. It still did the damage after years of doing that. He's not around anymore. He died of pneumonia, but the liver damage would have killed him after another 3 years or so, the docs had said. Chances are, the liver damage didnt exactly help with the pneumonia situation. Liver damage aint the only way the stuff can ruin your life. Even worse though is that alcohol you consume can ruin OTHER people's lives (you may be thinking of something like "domestic violence" when I say that, but violence is not the only way this can do that to others around you). This is one of the reasons I think the stuff is so ridiculously stupid. And the thing about it is, people with the problem never realize the problem until it's far too late... and even then, by that point, they're addicted and cannot stop even though they know the issue is there. Often, they then spiral into depression.
One of the other reasons why I dislike alchohol so much is that not only is it only a stopgap measure, but it's a fake solution. It doesnt ACTUALLY cure your anxiety... you're just too muddled to feel it. Which is why it comes back when the alcohol is not in effect (and that's one of the many factors that can lead directly to addiction). The anxiety is absolutely still there, even if buried. If you want to REALLY be rid of anxiety caused by certain things, the only true method is to face down that particular thing.
Which is typically what I do... as a result, I have no need of the stuff. After all, when done right, the method I use is *permanent*. And comes with no negatives, temporary or otherwise. And hell, some things CANNOT be even temporarily removed from anxiety with alcohol. Got anxiety over driving? Alcohol aint gonna fix it... but it will put yourself and others in danger.
Which is another thing: Using the stuff to deal with your social anxiety? Well, I hope you aint planning on driving anytime soon. I dunno about everyone else, but I really like to be able to use my car without restrictions. I also hope you're willing to deal with unexpected social effects. One thing that ALOT of people who drink never seem to spot is how others perceive them when they've had alcohol in them. Someone who has been drinking may think they become a real social butterfly, but unbeknownst to them, those around them may be seeing them as a stumbling fool due to the negative effects. THAT one, I have experience with. A certain family member used to drink alot for that very reason... and frankly, ALWAYS made a damn fool of herself. It absolutely did not create positive impressions in others. It only finally ended when my own patience snapped one day due to her antics... I wont go into details there, but suffice it to say, she doesnt drink anymore. As a direct result, various situations involving her have improved drastically.
Honestly I could probably go on for a few more pages here, but there's not really too much point. AInt like it's going to change anyone's mind. I've said enough, I think.
