Welcome to the MH forum of SR, yeahgr8!
You probably know that alcohol is a depressant. While it may give you a lift at first, make you feel socially competent in the beginning, it is a fickle lover. It turns on you and has a way of making one more depressed and anxious. The paxil and anti anxiety meds can be very helpful if you've been self medicating. And many do.
So glad you're here, posting in a sane from of mind!
Continue to post away! Let us get to know you. We care.
Shalom!