How to overcome Stage Fright? Pt5

Questionable Methods That Sometimes Work
Mention your nervousness : I've seen many a performer say "Gosh, I'm nervous" early in a show, then proceed to do a killer set that leaves the audience impressed with both their chops and their willingness to be vulnerable. Sometimes if you tell the truth your nervousness disappears. This is very risky, since you may come off as unprofessional. Your audience doesn't want to be nervous with you. I'd try it only with a very sympathetic audience, and only if you know that you can deliver the goods afterwards.
Pharmaceuticals: Oh boy, this is a controversial subject. Heavy use of alcohol, pot, et al will mess with your judgement and dexterity (though you may think that you sound fantastic), and also will dry out and trash your vocal cords. Virtually no one advocates their use. However, there is one drug that appears to help nerves: beta blockers. Beta blockers interfere with the body's adrenaline response and can greatly reduce the usual stage fright responses like rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath. I've consulted three doctors who agree that beta blockers are safe if not overused. One is an excellent guitarist/doctor who swears by them. If used daily, however, your heart rate might slow to ten beats per minute! Absolutely don't use them without consulting your doctor. I've tried them a few times and discovered that they alleviated the fluttery feeling before the show, but along with it I lost my post-performance high. My singing and playing ability didn't seem to be affected, but during two different shows I forgot words to songs, a rarity for me. I'd vote for trying natural methods first.
There's a reason for performance anxiety; you care about doing a good job. Blasé performers don't get stage fright. Luciano Pavarotti has said that if he ever stopped being nervous before a performance he'd know he'd lost his passion and would quit performing. So the next time stage fright appears, consider yourself a passionate person, try some of these techniques and channel that nervous energy into a transcendent performance.