Over the years I have worked with many people who suffer from addictions of all sorts –drugs, alcohol, food, sex – you name it.  Most were/are in recovery or have attempted to deal with their addictions in other ways.  But one thing I’ve noticed that they have in common is that most have Social Anxiety Disorder as an underlying problem.  That is not to say that all addicts have this.  But when you think about it, for many it makes sense.  Addictions mask emotions and help with symptomatology.   They initially make things easier – brighter if you will.  Drugs & alcohol lower inhibition and can help ease the way for social interaction.  For most, alcohol lightens the mood and lowers inhibitions and may make things more pleasant.  But social discomfort is major problem for those with Social Anxiety Disorder.  People can shake, stutter, withdraw, become mute and can’t make contact even in the seemingly most benign circumstances.  Think of Rojesh from TV’s “Big Bang Theory”.   He is a caricature for sure, but not so far from hitting the nail on the head.  The powerful underlying truth of what many with Social Anxiety Disorder deal with is that their discomfort is so great, they can’t connect.  Or they suffer greatly when trying to interact.  Drugs or alcohol can produce a major shift for them.  It is self-medicating, and many even forget what is lurking underneath – especially if they become chronic users.  But when sobriety is achieved it is there – just as it was from the beginning.  The trick is to find other ways of dealing that might bring about some real change.