The stereotype of alcohol consumption is that it turns people into assholes, but I've found that the truth is it forces your core personality into the forefront of your behaviour. For example, people who tend to be stand-over types become unbearably aggressive, people who are normally reserved become extremely shy ect. 

For myself, as a man with BPD, when I drink I've noticed that I get intense cravings for social interaction, but when it's denied I don't feel the usual crushing feelings of abandonment. Also, when I think about relationships that usually cause me a great deal of stress and pain, the alcohol seems to dampen the intensity of those feelings. 

I'd like to know other people's experience with alcohol consumption and it's effects on their BPD symptoms. I understand this kind of self-medication isn't healthy and can lead down dark paths, so it would also be appreciated if you could share similarly affective, less destructive coping mechanisms. Thanks.