Abstract: A method of reducing formation damage when drilling for oil and gas. Firstly, determining initial water, hydrocarbon and gas saturation in the porous formation under consideration. Secondly, determining a preferential wettability of the porous formation. Thirdly, determining potential damaging effects due to aqueous phase trapping as a result of increasing water saturation in the porous formation. Fourthly, determining an alcohol type and concentration that will reduce severity of aqueous phase trapping. Fifthly, incorporating the alcohol type and concentration into a drilling fluid. The alcohol concentration will not less than 1% of the volume of the drilling fluid. Sixthly, pumping the drilling fluid containing the alcohol down a drilling string to a drill bit during drilling operations. The described method reduces invasive damage caused by drilling fluid entering the formation.