More Than Just Social Anxiety

The nuances of social challenges and substance use in neurodivergent individuals

Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is a mental health condition characterized by intense fear and anxiety in social situations. People with social anxiety often worry about being negatively judged or evaluated by others, and they may experience physical symptoms like sweating, blushing, or a rapid heart rate when in social situations

Social anxiety for those who are neurodivergent can be more complex and challenging due to unique social and sensory difficulties. Here are just a few challenges for neurodivergent individuals:

Masking:

The act of hiding neurodivergent traits to fit the social norms can be exhauting and contribute to social anxiety.

Sensory Overload:

Heightened sensory sensitivities can make crowed or noisy environments overwhelming, triggering anxiety.

Social Challenges:

Difficulty with social communication. understanding social cues, and emotional regulation can lead to fear of judgement or being judged or being misunderstood, increasing anxiety.

Uncertainty and Change

Neurodivergent individuals may struggle with unpredictability and disruptions to routines, further increasing anxiety.

Social anxiety and Substance Use Disorders (SUD’S)

While there is obviously no guarantee that those individuals with neurodivergence will develop a SUD there is a link between them. It has been suggested that we, those with the Autism or ADHD, use substances in order to cope and manage the social anxiety and challenges we feel. I can tell you for me personally, that the social anxiety that I felt was gone in my cups. I am an immensely awkward and introverted person who struggles a great deal with being in a crowd of more a person or two but when I was drinking I seemed to have no trouble. I was also able to unmask and behave in a way that the general public would not question my quirkiness. Change also didn’t seem to bother me, I was able and willing to “go with the flow”, where as I am not a “go with the flow” person. I felt more like I thought other felt and less like I wanted to feel when I was a drinking person, until I didn’t. I have come to terms with who I am, with my anxiety, with my quirks, and with my unique sense of being. Today I am not ashamed of my neurodivergence or even my alcoholism, as they as both a part of who I am. I am more than both and both.