I have panic attacks sometimes when around new or unfamiliar people. Anything I can do to control this?

I have always been somewhat shy around people and never really liked to actually get up in front of people to make a speech. Although I did make it through Public Speaking in college and from time to time find myself in the spotlight I still totally freak out on the inside. Recently I went to my first college party and until I finally consumed enough alcohol I was SO nevous just being around all new people. I want to just be chill and not have to feel like this. Does anyone feel the same way too? It is such a sucky feeling and I wish I could turn it off. Everyone says I am really cool person to hang with but I wish I didn't have to feel so bad all the time.