Hi there,

I was wondering if anyone has any tips on how to cope with GAD. 

It’s summer right now where I live, and I am in the park having a few beers. I feel so incredible relaxed right now. I wish I could feel like this all the time. 

I’m one beer in, so am not tipsy, and could been be working right now (if it weren’t the weekend!). I’m not looking for something to stupefy me, but something to just take the ‘edge’ off so that I can get about my day. Right now, I’ve just attended to 5 things I’d been putting off due to GAD. 

I’ve tried all manner of SSRIs/SNRIs/MAOIS/TCAs/benzos, and nothing has worked. I’ve only felt ‘dulled’, or sleepy.

Does anyone know of anything that is even remotely similar to alcohol? I don’t have an addictive personality, and have been able to dabble in a few things before and then stop if it wasn’t working for me. 

I’m just so frustrated, as 1 or even 0.5 standard drinks makes me feel capable of going about my day. Not dumbed down, but just ‘geared down’ sufficiently to just be able to get on with things and not be overwhelmed. And the feeling of not being overwhelmed then makes me feel joyous (note: not manic) at the idea of being able to just do things. And if not for the GAD, I could do so much. 

The obvious thought to me is ‘microdosing’ ethanol (I don’t know if this is a thing—I’d need to look it up), but I thought I’d ask just in case other people have tried all sort of medications and never found succour, only to find relief in alcohol. 

Again, I’m not trying to drink myself into a stupor—I’m just trying to take off a slight edge in order to allow me to do things. 

I’m otherwise highly functional. I have a stable, well-paying job, a social life, and I do things. But everything, without alcohol, always feels like so much effort. It’s like living my entire life with only 3 hours’ sleep each night—possible, and successful through sheer will and determination—but frustratingly trying. 

Any tips appreciated :)