Recovering from alcohol use disorder (AUD) can be a long journey. For many who choose to stop drinking, the path is strewn with obstacles and detours. Dry drunk syndrome is one of the stumbling blocks that can impact people on this journey.
What is a dry drunk? Alcoholics Anonymous coined the term to describe someone who isn’t committed to recovery. It was chosen because people experiencing it can understand the symptoms and behaviors that make up the syndrome.
Although recovery is hard, that’s no reason not to try. Of the 29.5 million Americans with AUD, it’s estimated that 70% recover without intervention. For people with severe AUD, professional assistance can provide help to navigate issues such as dry drunk syndrome.
Defining the Term: What Does “Dry Drunk” Mean?
Dry drunk isn’t a medical term. It was created by people with AUD to describe a group of behaviors seen by many during recovery. People who are dry drunk may not be drinking alcohol, but they still have the same behavior patterns. This can include depression, frustration and unresolved emotional issues.
Some people include dry drunk behaviors among the symptoms of post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). This is a set of symptoms that continue for an extended period after withdrawal due to both a change in brain chemistry and the need to rediscover who you are when you’re no longer drinking.
Characteristics and Behaviors of a Dry Drunk
The defining characteristic of the dry alcoholic is that they don’t genuinely want to recover. They may be doing mandated treatment or becoming sober at someone else’s urging, but they often don’t think their drinking was wrong.
What a dry drunk looks like is different for everybody. Some of the signs you may be experiencing the syndrome include:
- Not taking responsibility for your drinking
- Lying to others and yourself
- Going through the motions while thinking about the end of treatment, when you can go back to your normal life
- Resenting the person who convinced you to stop drinking
- Frustration at not being able to drink
- Jealousy of the success of other people in recovery
- A negative outlook
- Not being willing to be held accountable
- Being impatient or complacent in recovery
- Romanticizing your drinking days
- Isolating from your support network
- Behavioral addictions such as sex, food and the internet
Mood swings, poor impulse control and an inability to make decisions are also part of dry drunk syndrome. However, this can also be caused by the changes in brain chemistry that you experience during withdrawal. Similarly, a difficulty in maintaining relationships can be a sign of dry drunk syndrome. However, if your friends have been a part of your drinking, it’s likely you won’t see them as often as you get sober. Consider your symptoms as a whole, and if you’re worried, talk to a therapist or mentor to get a second opinion.
The Role of Unresolved Issues and Emotions
Generally, there’s a reason people develop AUD. Whether it’s unresolved trauma or an underlying mental health condition, the alcohol was a way to self-medicate. After giving up alcohol, you have to actually confront the issues that caused your addiction.
People who want to give up drinking without resolving other issues often experience dry drunk syndrome. They’re focused only on sobriety, not on healing their whole life. It can be difficult to truly recover with this mindset.
Seeking Comprehensive Recovery: Beyond Abstinence
If your only focus is on not drinking, it’s like treating a symptom rather than looking for a cure. Comprehensive recovery only comes after you understand and treat the reason you first turned to alcohol.
Going to an expert rehab program or working with a qualified therapist can help you explore the habits and reasons behind your drinking. Dealing with the why can help you overcome your addiction for good.
Overcoming Dry Drunk Syndrome: Strategies and Support
Overcoming dry drunk syndrome means making a commitment to the difficult process of recovery. Those in the field believe that working with a therapist or joining a support group makes dry drunk syndrome less likely, but there haven’t been any formal studies.
In addition to getting help from addiction professionals, there are strategies that can help you move past being dry drunk:
- Develop new coping methods.
- Join a support group.
- Spend time with loved ones.
- Take steps to enjoy your new sober life such as trying something new.
- Take up a hobby.
- Look after your health.
If you’re worried you have dry drunk syndrome or want to find comprehensive recovery from AUD, you’re in the right place. Mental Health Hotline works with reputable mental health providers around the country. Reach out any time of the day or night to get the help you need.