I found that alcohol made me the life of the party, and that I had no social skills without it
Substances helped me feel more ācomfortableā (aka numb) ā realizing that everyone experiences some level of this helped me realize that itās normal, no one is perfect, and that we are all doing this thing called life together 
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I found that accepting it is the best way. I was reading something about Buddhism and how the path to enlightenment is full of loneliness because other past won't align with you and you will not align with them because it causes both parties suffering.
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Definitely a factor for me. I still get the urge to drink in social situations. Even after 13 years! Every time I get the anxiety I remind myself how I got through it before. Face the situation head on. Iām in control of my attendance at the function and I can excuse myself whenever I want. What usually happens is the anxiety goes away after the first few minutes and Iām ok. I watch other people get drunk and act foolish and see myself 13 years ago. Then I realize that Iām the strong one and theyāre weak. I donāt need alcohol anymore and they do.
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I found it was harder and harder to leave my home after a while so I had to force myself to get out of my comfort zone a little bit at a time. I found a place called celebrate recovery and itās amazing. For hurts habits and hang ups. A safe place to come talk or listen to other like you. All confidential and just a safe friendly place with people who just want to heal. Iām here if anyone needs a friend.
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Great point. One thing that gets me through tough situations is thinking how shitty the drinkers are going to feel tomorrow.
Kate, I wish you had a good friend to go to meetings with you. Non alcoholics can attend open meeting as observers, is there anyone you trust who might attend with you until you feel comfortable? Otherwise I would try a womanās meeting, it might be easier.
Just my 2 cents.
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Thatās a good point, there are several near me that are āopenā meetings which is a great option for some people! (And yes I have an amazing friend who would join if I asked, but coordinating our work schedules would be comical at best).
Im actually going to start online meetings again and am pretty excited about it! Iām inching in on my one-year sobriety anniversary and Iād definitely like to incorporate more fellow-sober people into my life 
I wish Looosid had more regular meeting options- that would be rad! There was a Wednesday meeting at one point that I used to love 
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Iāve struggled with social anxiety since I was a child I 100% drink too get over the anxiety in any social situationā¦and itās lead me down a rabbit hole 
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A vicious cycle
I donāt have social anxiety but I have stress and anxiety about my life. I also experience loneliness, so when Iām out I drink more to fit in. Itās kind of destructive. But as I go on this journey, my circle gets smaller and smaller and I work on accepting myself for who I am. I used alcohol to connect with people and I fear I cant connect if I donāt drink, but itās worth it more to love myself and the right people will come.
I found joy in simple activities, such as hiking or meditation groups. When it comes to family situations, I set a time to leave or notice when people are too drunk and I make my way out so Iām not exposed. I also find I donāt feel like I need to explain myself to anyone why Iām not drinking, itās way to honor yourself. Remember your experiences are only uniquely yours. Most people wonāt get it - hence comes loneliness.
It was all about hanging with others in recovery! People who understand and now itās not nearly as bad for me in other social situations. Practice not perfection