Fear of drinking (dipsophobia)

Dipsophobia is a rare fear of drinking. For some it is about swallowing liquids and links to a fear of choking, and for others it relates to drinking alcohol. If it means drinking much less than usual or losing weight, speak to a GP.

About this phobia

The word comes from the Greek dipsa, meaning thirst, as in dipsomania. It is rarely used clinically and appears mostly on lists. It may overlap with pseudodysphagia, a fear of choking, and with methyphobia, a fear of alcohol.

What it feels like

• Taking tiny sips and feeling tense with each swallow
• Avoiding drinks in front of others or at social events
• Worry about choking, coughing or losing control when drinking

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

Common questions

Is a fear of drinking the same as a fear of choking?

They often go together, though not always. Some people fear the act of swallowing liquids, while others fear what alcohol might do to them. Any real trouble swallowing should be checked with a GP.

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