Moderate/ severe social phobia

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I suffer from this terribly but am starting paxil next week. I also have a phobia of blushing in front of others and the fear of knowing im about to blush is almost as bad as a panic attack for me,the billious sense that you are about to lose control and humiliate yourself.Then the crashing self loathing and shame. Anyone tried paxil? Did it help with blushing? And anxiety in general?
Anyone know of any other methods that can help? Ive tried a bit of exposure therapy but upsettingly it made it worse and i feel more hopeless now than ever. Tried 6 months of mindfullness that i just didnt get. Totally didnt click.
The only things that pacify my anxiety are heroin, benzos (legal high ones and ocassionally off the street) and alcohol. I do not want to get addicted to any of these substances again and am trying to stop all together but the mere thought of it terrifies me. Drugs and alcohol are my only painkillers, they liberate me to just be myself and make me actually desire social contact sometimes.
This phobia has almost totally debillitated me and is ruining my life. Any experiences, or wisdom would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
(diclaimer: i know theres no panacea. I just need to feel less raw so i can actually confront this issue).

I've been on Paxil & I don't really remember alot about it but it may of helped my anxiety alittle bit. I think it helps anxiety in some people more than others. I take Buspar for my anxiety nowadays & that helps it alot. What I like about Buspar is that it's specially for anxiety & not a benzo or an antidepressant. It can be added to Paxil or other antidepressants to help the antidepressant work better & better help anxiety. My girlfriend takes both together.

You could also try beta-blockers. They are sometimes used to help control blushing & they're also sometimes used to help with different anxiety issues. They can be taken with antidepressants & Buspar. It's best to try meds one at a time. Get used to one & decide if it's worth it to stay on it or not or add on a different med too.