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Autism and alcohol

Bananatropics26

So I'm an alcoholic so is my mother. She drank when she was pregnant with me so I don't know if that messed up my brain making me more susceptible to drinking as an adult. It's probably the case. I find something about alcohol incredibly addictive and attractive. It's hard to say no to it. When I don't have it I am extremely miserable and upset. It's quite insidious the way that alcohol penetrates my brains defense system and makes me so vulnerable to it's appeal. My mother is the exact same (worse). To her she loved alcohol even more than her child (me). It is always present whenever I think of her I just think booze. I wonder what is going on here? Why are autistic people all alcoholics. I have met tons of autistic people over the years and they all have one thing in common they all love alcohol and seek it out like a mouse seeks out a block of cheese. I am aware that the common consensus among scientists is that there is some correlation between GABA dysfunction and autism this may explain in part the appeal for alcohol consumption on the part of autistic individuals. I woke up so early and all I can think about is alcohol. I feel like I need more. It's like when I am not on it I am holding my breath and when I take some I can finally breathe again. I don't think NTs are capable of understanding our syndrome we live with on a daily basis. I understand my brain chemistry has been irreversibly altered. However I have found that not consuming alcohol makes way for the brain to heal and repair to some extent. 

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  • Hello   I know this discussion is pretty old now but I wanted to see if anyone had posted about this topic and here we are. I hope you are doing well? The more research I do into this topic between the connection of alcohol and autism the more I am certain it’s do with how alcohol slows things down, makes thinking clearer (at least at lower doses) and takes away the constant anxiety many of us on the spectrum feel in one way or another. There is also the aspect of boredom or under stimulation, with such keen or narrow interests meaning we may struggle to find other things entertaining alcohol can distort reality briefly and allow us to view things from a different angle. This is just my way of viewing it, again I do hope you are well.

  • in reply to Autismman

    I never really thought of it this way, but when younger I used alcohol to ease anxiety, to be able to be more outgoing, also the main social place was the pub.

    I then used it to slow my thoughts and also to help sleep. I know it helps get to sleep, but makes the quality worse. However, I used to wake up feeling better than when I didn't drink.

    I then used it for stress and to cope .

    It has always made me feel better and lifted my mood, at least while drinking. I have noticed recently the next l days it can reduce mood. But I think this is a normal hangover effect. 

    For years I was close to the 25 units weekly limit till they lowered it. 14 is bit harder to stick to.

    I've always been inclined to binge drink, although I have reduced that.

    I have had periods where I needed a drink, I usually stop for a month if this happens. I always thought I had it under control.

    I was told by a doctor a long time ago  to make sure you have a few dry days a week. I know my liver function is completely normal.

  • in reply to Stuart333

    Binge drinking seems very common among autistic individuals. There’s been quite a few studies on this but I don’t think there is enough awareness made from professionals on the potential impacts it can have on someone with a different way of thinking shall we say. If it becomes “routine” and makes you feel “normal” it’s going to be very tough to accept that it’s bad for you until it’s too late and you are a full blown alcoholic. It really doesn’t help long term with anxiety and makes it much, much worse which becomes a cycle of anxiety, drink, anxiety, drink. Some thoughts can certainly be overwhelming with the emotions they bring leading to a sense of needing to shutdown or switch off. 

  • in reply to Autismman

    This is me to a tee. I spent many years binge drinking to relax and slow my mind, to overcome social anxiety and mainly because I liked the way it made me feel. I have never been physically dependent on alcohol but mentally, it's been a crutch all my life. I know for certain that it makes me feel worse overall so I drink much less than I used to. In fact, I have come to find it a very boring drug that does nothing but dull you. I still have the desire for it but I give in much less frequently. I doubt I will ever be 100% teetotal though.

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  • in reply to Autismman

    This is me to a tee. I spent many years binge drinking to relax and slow my mind, to overcome social anxiety and mainly because I liked the way it made me feel. I have never been physically dependent on alcohol but mentally, it's been a crutch all my life. I know for certain that it makes me feel worse overall so I drink much less than I used to. In fact, I have come to find it a very boring drug that does nothing but dull you. I still have the desire for it but I give in much less frequently. I doubt I will ever be 100% teetotal though.

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