Posted by Andrew on 28/3/2009, 11:29 am, in reply to "Perplexed - message for Andrew"

Hi Raymond Perplexed? That makes two of us :-) For most guys, being (very) drunk reduces inhibitions sufficiently to allow peeing in very demanding situations (memory of being blasted and peeing happily at a pub trough next to a stranger). But for some guys, being drunk does not help at all; this may be due to the degree of drunkenness? Getting over paruresis means dealing with both your conscious feelings and fears, and your subconscious reactions. These can get out of step. I have had guys report with amazement that they managed to pee in a situation that really worried them, implying that the subconscious was relaxed, but the conscious was not. In most guys it is the reverse: conscious awareness that there is no threat, but the subconscious not allowing it to happen. So what is it with you I wonder: I can only guess. Could it be that your routine when sober works, but when drunk you cannot follow this routine? This needs knowing more about: the effect of alcohol on the autonomic nervous system; and also the interplay between the conscious and unconscious reactions. I am away from home at the moment, but next week will ask a pharmacist and a psychologist about this. cheers Andrew

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