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Drinking and Autism

Marnee101

Hi all,

Just wanted your views on drinking alcohol and autism.

  • Since my early twenties, I found drinking just eliminates my autism and anxiety.
  • I become the person I want to be, confident, can make friends easy, dance away, no shyness.
  • I always drink in moderation, until I reach that happy place.
  • Usually I feel the need to escape in to that euphoric state once a week, to escape stresses of the week.
  • I feel like I don’t need to mask.
  • But now late 30’s the recovery is too much.

I need to try new things to replace this habit. But as I do it in moderation, once a week is that bad? It’s day 5 post diagnosis.

Parents

  • I could write lots, but if it is once a week it's probably ok.

    It depends on what you mean by moderation. You might be drinking the weekly allowance of 14 units in one go. More than 5 I think is binge drinking. Women and men have different tolerances.

    I have always drunk to some extent. It is the only thing that works. Alcohol promotes dopamine for reward and GABA to make you feel almost and quiet your brain. I was never bothered about being drunk, although I have been at times, but more about how relaxed my mind felt. It reduced stress abd allowed me to cope. The risk is when it is at home and becomes every day.

    The problem is it does not reduce adrenaline or cortisol from stress (exercise is best for this), it just masks it. It upsets sleep quality, so you are not as rested. Having boosted dopamine and GABA artificially you brain then cuts them below where you started so 20 hrs later you can feel emotional or low. But these are more issues if you drink regularly. 

    Since being diagnosed I tried to stop for a while, I didn't want it as much, but now have a bottle of wine a some weeks.

    Health wise this level is fine, although less good if all 10 units are in one go, so splitting it across 2 days is better. Psychologically it depends on what you are drinking for. If it is to escape or cope and as a crutch it is supposed to less good. But I assume that is because it is likely to escalate.

    I'd allow yourself a drink once a week, taking away the pressure is good for you. Don't feel guilty about indulging yourself occasionally. You don't need to be a monk or nun.

    If you are struggling with hangovers, then drink a bit less,, don't mix drinks, make sure you eat, keep hydrated by drinking water before bed. Really it depends on how much you drink in one go and over what time period.

  • in reply to Stuart333

    I always aim for below 5 units and try and stay hydrated and eat before and after.

    Thank you for for your suggestions, I think slowly I will reduce it for special occasions.

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