Dry drunk is a term used to describe someone who is sober but still behaves like an alcoholic.
An individual can abstain from drinking and be sober or dry. However, without addressing the issues that caused them to become addicted in the first place, they are not dealing with the stressors, problems or their own response to these problems that originally led them to drinking.
When recovery treatment is ignored, individuals tend to turn to destructive coping habits instead of healthy coping habits learned in recovery. An individual considered dry drunk may even develop another addiction, often called cross addiction, to satisfy cravings.
Symptoms of Dry Drunk
Some typical symptoms of dry drunk can include:
Becoming unusually irritable, anxious, or frustrated, sometimes with no apparent reason
Mood swings that range from depression to extreme happiness
Fatigue or no motivation to do normal daily tasks
Struggling to make decisions
Difficulty problem solving
Acting impulsively or selfishly
Craving alcohol or longing for the drinking life
Jealousy of others in recovery
Being defensive in the face of criticism
Blaming others or playing the victim in most situation
Getting Help For Addiction
If you or somebody in your life seems to be a dry drunk, professional help to address addiction may be the best option to help continue on the road to recovery.
At Care Addiction Center, we offer treatment plans that address every facet of your addiction, serving individuals in Geneva, Batavia, Sycamore, St. Charles, and Kane County, with online addiction treatment available anywhere in Illinois.
To get started on the road to recovery, or if you have questions about helping yourself or a loved one, call us today or schedule a confidential assessment online and begin treatment.
Want to hear about dry drunk from those that have traveled the path to sobriety? Listen to the Sober.Coffee podcast with Mike and Glenn, sharing stories of experience, strength and hope in recovery.
If you’re not sure if your alcohol use is a problem, why don’t we complete a confidential evaluation? Feel free to contact our Illinois rehab at: 630-402-0144