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.
(..) A secret now that only fire can tell. '' Shire. Baggins. There's no Bagginses around here. They're all up in Hobbiton. That way. To heal my heart and drown my woe Rain may fall and wind may blow But there still be Many miles to go Sweet is the sound of the pouring rain (..)2001 The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring