How to enjoy myself at boozy parties?

[Pancakeflat]

Just that really. All my friends and family enjoy alcohol. I drank quite heavily too until about 2 years ago when I quit. I used alcohol for dutch courage and now I find myself anxious and stressy in social situations. I feel really self conscious and awkward. Someone I love is having a party tomorrow. It means a great deal to them that a group of friends are all there.
Any tips for relaxing and having fun?

Chat knowing you're in control of yourself. Dance knowing they're drunk and so you can also go crazy with the groovy moves too. Leave when you want to. 👍

Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately my anxiety means that I really don't feel in control of myself. My voice wobbles with nerves when I try to "chat". 😱

You need to really visualise before you go! Visualise you having fun, smiling, drinking a glass of tonic water, having a chat, seeing x or y etc. Maybe think of a few questions in advance, eg what did you do this summer? How is X? Where did you get those shoes from, I was looking for sandals? Etc etc. and let them do the talking! A lot of people love talking — let them! And drunks can be self-centred bores, so they won’t even remember you being anxious. Plus, if you love the person holding the party, I guarantee they feel that way about you, with whatever stresses you might have. Let us know how it goes!

Apologies for breaching the guidelines. I wasn't advocating drug use I am saying that some may use it as an alternative. There are some legal alternatives to help with the social anxiety that goes with that. It would be worth speaking to your GP.

@Pancakeflat I'm intrigued by your question as you say you quit a couple of years ago (bravo!). Do you still desire alcohol or does it not bother you anymore? That lies at the heart of the answer I would give. And if someone else wants you to be there having a great time that's brilliant. But don't let someone else's (or society's) opinion that 'having fun = drinking' become an accepted truth. I can say hand on heart that I have MUCH more fun at parties now that I no longer drink. Because I just don't desire drinking anymore

Well, the party was as I thought. Everyone was lovely and the food and music was great. However I was so uncomfortable. Everyone else was happy/laughing/singing and dancing without a care in the world. I just felt like I didn't fit in.
I will never drink alcohol again, but right now I feel like I will never enjoy socialising in groups again either. @brightspice I don't crave alcohol anymore but I miss feeling at ease with people and letting my hair down like I used to. 🙁

@PancakeflatI can understand if you felt uncomfortable but I will offer it is possible to have a super time (even better time) without alcohol. Even though you don't crave alcohol, do you still want it?

I want the confidence that the first couple of drinks gave me but the price of that false confidence is too high.