That terrifies me that all events with alcohol are actually some kind of mass torture method that we need poison (ironically) to get through. That kind of sounds like hell lol.
That’s what I learned through autism therapy. Until then, I just assumed the my sensory experience in bars/parties was like everyone else and just had somewhat of a drinking problem. Once I found out I was autistic and sought therapy, the therapist helped me realize that I was drinking to numb my senses and social anxiety. I was practically self-medicating. Now, when I go to environments like that and feel like drinking, it’s a sign that I need to leave because I am getting overwhelmed.
I thought about propranolol, but saw that it was a beta blocker and decided not to risk it in case I had some heart thing. Wasn’t crazy about the warning that if you stop taking it suddenly, there could be serious side effects. I’m sure that’s only if you take it regularly, but I don’t want to chance it
That makes sense, and I definitely do not want to give you any medical advice. However, I would like to clear up that since it’s a beta-blocker, it helps reduce blood pressure and heart rate. So for people like me that tend to have borderline high blood pressure, it helps me physically anyway. Also, the doses for helping calm anxiety are much lower than for blood pressure treatment. The dosage for hypertension is 80mg-240m/day. The dosage I take is 20mg as needed, which I’m currently taking around 3-4 times/week. I am not concerned about abrupt cessation since I don’t take it regularly enough for my body to accommodate it and have complications if I stop.
I keep thinking that it’s not socially acceptable to remove yourself and limit exposure, but then I remember that it’s the people in my life who see full immersion as normal and a requirement.
Yep! And maybe it’s only those people that think that way. If you were around autistic and autistic-friendly people, they would probably insist that you not immerse yourself to the point of being overwhelmed.
Maybe I’ll try a stimming toy and see if I feel different. Like one other person said, having a role/job at an event or anywhere always takes some edge off.
Stimming can help a bit, but sometimes I have to find socially acceptable ways so that I don’t make people feel uncomfortable. Imagine what an NT with limited exposure to autism would think if they saw a 40 y/o man in the corner repeating the same phrase and flapping his hands for 5 mins 😆. Another trick that helps me is to find ways to take sensory breaks. For example, going to the bathroom or a run to the store would be a socially acceptable way to take a break. Also, I hadn’t thought of it, but now that you say it, I too find that having a role/job at an event is helpful! It gives me something to focus on and an excuse to get out of social situations that feel uncomfortable. Thanks for pointing that out!
That’s what I learned through autism therapy. Until then, I just assumed the my sensory experience in bars/parties was like everyone else and just had somewhat of a drinking problem. Once I found out I was autistic and sought therapy, the therapist helped me realize that I was drinking to numb my senses and social anxiety. I was practically self-medicating. Now, when I go to environments like that and feel like drinking, it’s a sign that I need to leave because I am getting overwhelmed.
That makes sense, and I definitely do not want to give you any medical advice. However, I would like to clear up that since it’s a beta-blocker, it helps reduce blood pressure and heart rate. So for people like me that tend to have borderline high blood pressure, it helps me physically anyway. Also, the doses for helping calm anxiety are much lower than for blood pressure treatment. The dosage for hypertension is 80mg-240m/day. The dosage I take is 20mg as needed, which I’m currently taking around 3-4 times/week. I am not concerned about abrupt cessation since I don’t take it regularly enough for my body to accommodate it and have complications if I stop.
Yep! And maybe it’s only those people that think that way. If you were around autistic and autistic-friendly people, they would probably insist that you not immerse yourself to the point of being overwhelmed.
Stimming can help a bit, but sometimes I have to find socially acceptable ways so that I don’t make people feel uncomfortable. Imagine what an NT with limited exposure to autism would think if they saw a 40 y/o man in the corner repeating the same phrase and flapping his hands for 5 mins 😆. Another trick that helps me is to find ways to take sensory breaks. For example, going to the bathroom or a run to the store would be a socially acceptable way to take a break. Also, I hadn’t thought of it, but now that you say it, I too find that having a role/job at an event is helpful! It gives me something to focus on and an excuse to get out of social situations that feel uncomfortable. Thanks for pointing that out!
Nope. What is that??