Expert: Jurriaan Plesman, Nutritional Psychotherapist - 8/3/2009

Question
Hi, I am Charlotte and about to turn 16. Recently I have found that unless I am drinking, I cant enjoy social situations. In my social circle there are parties every weekend, and they're always usually heavy drinking.
Recently, I haven't been drinking as much at parties, and I'm finding myself nervous about meeting people. I have never been like this before, I am a very confident person and enjoy meeting new people, and I am looking for advice as to what to do now. I don't want to stop being sociable or going to parties, but I am feeling like I am depending on alcohol to have fun.
Sorry this is so long, any advice is much appreciated.  

Answer
HI Charlotte,

I must admire you for your insight. A lot of people become alcoholic, for precisely the reason you are mentioning. Alcohol is a depressant chemical that calms you down when you are bombarded with excess stress hormones. Thus stopping you from producing excess stress hormones, will make you more confident and not dependent on alcohol to enjoy life.

Most people who find that alcohol gives them Dutch courage are found to be hypoglycemic. Thus going on a hypoglycemic diet will most probably solve your problems. Please read the following articles:

What is Hypoglycemia at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/what_is_hypo.html

The Serotonin Connection at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/serotonin_connection.html

Drug Addiction is a Nutritional Disorder at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/drug_addictions_nutritional_disorder.htm...

Alcoholism is a Treatable disease (AIATD) at:
http://psychonutrionaltherapy.blogspot.com/2009/07/alcoholism-is-treatable-disea...

And then study: Summary of Self-help Psycotherapy at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/self-help_personal_growth.html#PSYCHOTHE...

in its entirety from beginning to end. It includes a program showing you how to overcome a negative self-image, and assertiveness training program, communication course and values clarification course.
You may require the help of a CBT counsellor to successfully complete this program.

_______________________________________________
Jurriaan Plesman, Nutritional Psychotherapist
Hon. Editor of
The Hypoglycemic Health Association of Australia.
www.hypoglycemia.asn.au
Author of "Getting off the Hook"
Freely available at Google Book Search
Skype: jurplesman