Performing after a couple beers

[DChalo]

I have terrible anxiety/panic attacks and I am prescribed Klonopin and Xanax for this, but I have developed a tolerance to them and in order to prevent an addiction I have been skipping doses and drinking alcohol instead on certain days, which also calms my nerves. I have drank during practices, but never during a performance. Does anybody have experience having a couple drinks during a concert and does it negatively affect your nerves/performing ? And I apologize if this is against the rules, if it is then feel free to take it down.

 

[birminghambass]

I've done hundreds of gigs after a few beers. No issues if you really know the material, just don't overdo it. I once played an entire third set lying on my back onstage. Drunk off my a$$, fell over halfway through the first song of the set. Good times...

 

[Morris2103]

One or two to calm the nerves is fine... just don't over do it.. *


*not speaking from any experience of my own **




** might be lying

 

[KickingBass]

No judging but wouldn't it be better to try and work on the root of the problem instead of covering it up? If you build up your confidence and gain experience on stage you can do away with needing the alcohol, right?

 

[Aberdumbie]

Yeah well... The environment rather encourages it. But here's the deal. I worked the circuit hard from 1978 to 1992. I had one big monkey on my back by the end of those years. Only way I could shed it was to divorce myself from the environment for twenty years. Heck I was in business and wouldn't take my customers for a drink. One of my former mates wasn't able to shed the monkey and isn't with us anymore as a result.

Yeah a few drinks are ok. We are adults. However, Years of a few drinks is addiction. And I just hate to encourage that as a means of coping with a medical problem only to end up with a worse problem. Good luck.

 

[bikeplate]

I think alcohol is basically what's wrong with our nation. Most can't do it in moderation. Ruins families, relationships, etc. it's socially accepted and many don't see it as a problem. It's a huge problem.

 

[DChalo]

No judging but wouldn't it be better to try and work on the root of the problem instead of covering it up? If you build up your confidence and gain experience on stage you can do away with needing the alcohol, right?

If it was just stage fright, then yeah. But I have chronic Anxiety disorder and panic disorders.

 

[blindrabbit]

I have terrible anxiety/panic attacks and I am prescribed Klonopin and Xanax for this, but I have developed a tolerance to them and in order to prevent an addiction I have been skipping doses and drinking alcohol instead on certain days, which also calms my nerves. I have drank during practices, but never during a performance. Does anybody have experience having a couple drinks during a concert and does it negatively affect your nerves/performing ? And I apologize if this is against the rules, if it is then feel free to take it down.

These are questions for your physician/psychiatrist, psychologist, and/or pharmacist. The responses you get from here are NOT professional opinions and should not guide your life. Please, speak with your health care team about this. Best of luck.

 

[DChalo]

These are questions for your physician/psychiatrist, psychologist, and/or pharmacist. The responses you get from here are NOT professional opinions and should not guide your life. Please, speak with your health care team about this. Best of luck.

I do, but physicians are inclined to deter recreational use of any substance in their patients. When I need advice like this, I usually look to the web with people that have experience. That's why I have accounts on Shroomery forums, reddit, etc

 

[DigitalMan]

I dont think I am able to play as well even after one drink. Historically (since im not performing live now) my preference was to save it for after the show.

I think treating true anxiety issues with medication is a better course than with alcohol. Right now I do some public speaking and when the audience gets large I can relate to the feeling. Half a Xanax and meditation (just relaxing the brain really) lead to better results than partial intoxication.

To me the most helpful way to avoid anxiety althogether is to be as prepared as possible. Confidence is a direct result of feeling that you are fully ready to do your job. Being a little bit buzzed would take away from that feeling for me.

 

[dreamadream99]

I find the average person can have one drink per hour without any adverse effects.

 

[DChalo]

I dont think I am able to play as well even after one drink. Historically (since im not performing live now) my preference was to save it for after the show.

I think treating true anxiety issues with medication is a better course than with alcohol. Right now I do some public speaking and when the audience gets large I can relate to the feeling. Half a Xanax and meditation (just relaxing the brain really) lead to better results than partial intoxication.

To me the most helpful way to avoid anxiety althogether is to be as prepared as possible. Confidence is a direct result of feeling that you are fully ready to do your job. Being a little bit buzzed would take away from that feeling for me.

The sad thing about my situation is that it's sort of paradoxical. I have an overwhelming fear of panic attacks in public, which can cause me to have a panic attack. So no matter how prepared I feel, it doesn't matter. My anxiety isn't from embarrassing myself from playing, it is from having an episode on stage.

 

[Joe Nerve]

I have a lot of experience with anxiety, panic, stage fright, depression, alcohol, and drugs.

Alcohol and drugs (of any sort) are the worst way to deal with it. They only mask the symptoms, while making them worse.

The best way to deal with it is finding holistic solutions. There are many, but it takes a willingness to sit through some really uncomfortable, and scary feelings.

The quick list-- diet, exercise, relaxation exercises, prayer, lots of water, eliminating sugar and processed foods, coffee and other stimulants... And most important, reaching out and seeking help.

 

[Slapstyle]

If you're having problems with your meds, you should talk to your doctor. Don't prescribe yourself anything. I personally don't drink at gigs at all. My band mates may have one or two before, but never drink on stage and nobody ever gets drunk. If they did, I'd find a new band. I don't think a drink or two will have a negative effect on you, but everyone is different. Still, I'd start with your doc.

 

[Joe Nerve]

The sad thing about my situation is that it's sort of paradoxical. I have an overwhelming fear of panic attacks in public, which can cause me to have a panic attack. So no matter how prepared I feel, it doesn't matter. My anxiety isn't from embarrassing myself from playing, it is from having an episode on stage.

That's the fear that completely crippled me from age 20-24. Had nothing to do with anything real. All in my head.

 

[sotua]

I have terrible anxiety/panic attacks and I am prescribed Klonopin and Xanax for this, but I have developed a tolerance to them and in order to prevent an addiction I have been skipping doses and drinking alcohol instead on certain days, which also calms my nerves. I have drank during practices, but never during a performance. Does anybody have experience having a couple drinks during a concert and does it negatively affect your nerves/performing ? And I apologize if this is against the rules, if it is then feel free to take it down.

Completely shags up my coordination. I play stone sober (and then head to the bar to catch up as soon as the gig is over), otherwise I suck more than usual.

 

[DigitalMan]

The sad thing about my situation is that it's sort of paradoxical. I have an overwhelming fear of panic attacks in public, which can cause me to have a panic attack. So no matter how prepared I feel, it doesn't matter. My anxiety isn't from embarrassing myself from playing, it is from having an episode on stage.

A very close relative of mine has a very similar circumstance with regard to anxiety attacks She also has been battling alcohol addiction. The two things are very much related. I wish you the best.

 

[Slapstyle]

And whatever you do, don't mix booze and Xanax.

 

[DChalo]

That's the fear that completely crippled me from age 20-24. Had nothing to do with anything real. All in my head.

Exactly. I have irrational fears of impending heart attacks, strokes. My doctor assures me that I am a healthy 20 year old and that it would be highly unlikely for that to happen. I still just cannot wrap my head around it. I guess it is part of the illness.

 

[2cooltoolz]

I do, but physicians are inclined to deter recreational use of any substance in their patients. When I need advice like this, I usually look to the web with people that have experience. That's why I have accounts on Shroomery forums, reddit, etc

Absolutely! Instead of following the advice of professionals, seek the advise of people who are likely to support the decision you've already made.

Good luck with your problems.