LONDON: Some young people are turning to prescription medicines bought illegally online as an alternative to alcohol when trying to cope with social anxiety, raising concerns among health experts about the risks of unsupervised drug use.
Matt, a 22-year-old warehouse worker from northern England whose name has been changed, said social gatherings were once extremely difficult for him. He felt unable to participate in conversations and would sometimes drink until he became sick simply to overcome his anxiety and feel comfortable around other people.
Matt said that without alcohol, he would often remain quiet during nights out because he was afraid of saying something embarrassing or inappropriate. He described feeling as though there was “just no way into” conversations that appeared effortless for everyone else.
About two years ago, however, Matt stopped relying on alcohol and began using prescription medicines that he discovered through social media. He now obtains the medicines illegally online and takes them before going out with friends.
The drugs he uses include a medicine normally prescribed for conditions such as epilepsy and nerve pain, alongside a beta blocker commonly used to control some physical symptoms associated with anxiety, including a rapid heartbeat and trembling.
Matt said the combination makes social situations feel easier and gives him effects that he previously sought through alcohol. He believes the medicines allow him to relax without experiencing the unpleasant effects of drinking heavily or suffering a hangover the following day.
He said the drugs make him feel “euphoric” and help quieten his anxious thoughts, allowing him to communicate and socialise more comfortably.
However, medical experts warn that using prescription medicines without professional supervision can carry serious risks, particularly when people obtain them illegally, take doses that have not been prescribed for them or combine different substances.
Experts say some of these medicines can cause serious side effects and potentially life-threatening complications when misused. The risks can increase when people take higher doses or combine medicines with alcohol or other drugs.
There are also concerns about dependency and withdrawal. People who repeatedly use medication to manage social situations may begin to believe they cannot attend gatherings, meet friends or communicate confidently without taking the drugs.
Some users report experiencing increased anxiety, insomnia and suicidal thoughts when attempting to stop using the medicines after developing a dependence.
Health professionals therefore stress that prescription medicines intended to treat specific medical conditions should only be used under appropriate medical supervision. A medication that is safe and effective for one patient and condition may be unsuitable or dangerous when taken by someone else.
The growing availability of medicines through illegal online sellers has added to concerns. Social media can expose young people to informal recommendations and personal accounts that present prescription drugs as an easy solution to anxiety without adequately explaining potential harms.
For people experiencing social anxiety, specialists recommend seeking professional support rather than self-medicating. Treatment options can include psychological therapies and, where appropriate, properly prescribed medication following an assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
Matt’s experience highlights the difficult choices some young adults make when anxiety affects their ability to socialise. While he believes the medicines have helped him feel more confident, experts warn that relying on unprescribed drugs can create a new set of physical and psychological problems.
The case also illustrates why online discussions about prescription medicines need to be approached carefully. Personal experiences do not necessarily reflect the safety or effectiveness of a medicine for others, and taking prescription drugs without medical advice can carry significant risks.
For young people struggling with social anxiety, addressing the underlying condition with professional support may offer a safer long-term approach than replacing alcohol with medicines obtained illegally online.
