Fear of alcohol (methyphobia)

Methyphobia is a fear of alcohol, which can include drinking it, being near it, or being around people who have been drinking. For some it is tied to a fear of losing control or saying something they regret. Social events such as weddings, work drinks and nights out can become a source of dread.

About this phobia

The term is usually linked to the Greek methy, meaning wine or strong drink. It appears mainly on lists of phobias and is rarely used clinically. It is close to oenophobia, a fear of wine in particular.

What it feels like

• Anxiety at the smell of alcohol or the sight of a bar
• Worry about drinks being offered or topped up without asking
• Feeling on edge around people who are drinking, even friends

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

Is not wanting to drink the same as methyphobia?

No. Many people choose not to drink for health, faith or personal reasons and feel no fear about it. A phobia is when alcohol, or people drinking, causes strong anxiety that is hard to control, and if past experiences with someone’s drinking lie behind it, a GP or specialist counsellor can help.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

See all session options and prices