He was trying to 'drown his fears'. [=to get drunk so that he wouldn't be afraid]
I'm being 'drowned in' paperwork. [=I'm being overwhelmed by paperwork]
Noise from the passing airplane 'drowned out' our conversation.
(..) to my chain of command. Good. Now, how's my girl doin', anyway? You need to know what it feels like to drown... in order to avoid panic... and perhaps gain those few seconds that just might save your life. The natural tendency (..)1997 G.I. Jane