Alcohol And Dyslexia

Many people with dyslexia have stories about feeling different. Add alcohol to the mix, and interesting things can happen. You might wonder if mixing wine, beer, or spirits with dyslexia is a weird idea. It’s something that comes with good times but also moments that aren’t so fun.

Dyslexia affects how we process information. That means when we do something like have a drink, we might respond in unexpected ways. In this episode, I share my personal journey with alcohol, from light and funny moments to times when it felt a bit too heavy. You’ll hear how I’ve learned to handle social drinks and why I think it’s important to stay aware of your triggers. I hope you find a few nuggets of wisdom and a lot of reassurance.

My Early Encounters with Alcohol

Growing up, I heard so many stories about drinks that magically loosened people up or created fun memories. I was curious. As a dyslexic, I’d always felt tucked away in my own head. I wanted an easy way to lower my guard and connect with others.

My first sip of beer was both amusing and awkward. I remember thinking, “Is it really supposed to taste like this?” but I also felt daring. I wondered if alcohol would help me talk more freely or bond with friends, especially when my dyslexia made me second-guess my words.

I quickly discovered that I wasn’t always in control of how I sounded or behaved. It might have been partially teenage nerves, but I also felt that my dyslexia amplified stress. When I had a drink in hand, I let loose, sometimes more than I intended.

Finding that line between relaxed and out-of-control took time. If you’ve ever felt like that, you’re not alone. At first, I beat myself up about it, but then I realised we have to learn our own limits. That can take trial and error.

The Good Sides

There were definitely moments when alcohol gave me a nudge. It was easier to strike up a chat, even when I worried about stumbling over my words. I stopped overthinking, and I enjoyed seeing the world as a less intimidating place.

For some of us with dyslexia, socialising can feel like a puzzle. Finding the right words, following rapid conversations—these can be stressful. With a little help from a glass of wine, I noticed my tension easing. I was more playful and spontaneous.

When we’re relaxed, it’s easier to connect. That can be a huge relief. Sometimes, the pressure lifts and we feel more “in the flow.” We see humour where we might’ve missed it. We take breaks from those busy thoughts about spelling a word or trying not to stutter.

• Looser, more spontaneous chats
• Less tension around social interactions
• Freedom from overthinking every word

“Beer, wine, spirits... how does alcohol and dyslexia fit together? Sometimes it just makes things a little easier, until it doesn’t.”

The Tough Side

I didn’t expect the negatives, or at least I tried to ignore them. It’s fun at first, but there’s a tipping point. Alcohol might silence some inner voices, but it can also cloud your thinking more than usual when you’re dyslexic.

One drink too many and you might find it hard to focus or recall key details. If your short-term memory is already challenged by dyslexia, that extra fog can be frustrating. You might forget where you left your phone, or you might repeat yourself without realising it.

Social anxiety can still rear its head if you cross the line. I used to think a second or third drink would be the solution, but it often led to tangled headspace. The very clarity I wanted fell away, replaced by confusion or regret.

Going overboard also impacted my relationships. If I couldn’t remember conversations, my friends seemed disappointed. I started viewing alcohol as a tricky companion. It offered me confidence, then disappeared, leaving me feeling unsettled. Spotting that pattern was a wake-up call.

Learning to Stay Balanced

Over time, I realised that moderation isn’t the same for everyone. What feels moderate for you might look different for me. When dyslexia mixes with drinks, you need to be mindful. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a beer now and then, but it does mean you should watch the signals your body and brain send.

I began setting small rules for myself. I’d pace my drinks with water or go into social events with a plan. I’d remind myself that one drink to take the edge off might be helpful, but I’d be cautious about anything beyond that. I learned to notice when I was losing a bit too much control.

If you’re wondering how to handle this in your own life, consider taking notes—even mental ones. Notice when you feel alert and light, and be aware of when that changes. Think about the reasons you’re having a drink. Are you celebrating something, or are you just trying to mask discomfort?

1. Set clear limits before you start drinking.
2. Switch to water or a soft drink often.
3. Keep track of how you feel as the night goes on.
4. Accept responsibility for how alcohol affects you differently.

Those small steps helped me rediscover the fun side of social drinks. I took back control of my wellbeing and found balance. It’s not about banning alcohol altogether. It’s about knowing yourself and feeling more prepared.

Key Takeaways

• Alcohol can offer both moments of ease and moments of chaos.
• Social anxiety can lessen with a drink, but it can also escalate if you’re not careful.
• Dyslexia often amplifies effects on memory and focus, so watch for warning signs.
• Planning and self-awareness make a big difference.
• There’s no shame in choosing not to drink.

If you’d like to hear more about these stories, my missteps, and how I got back on track, have a listen to the full podcast. The player’s just above, so hit play whenever you’re ready and join me in exploring the good and the bad of mixing alcohol with dyslexia.