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'''Dry drunk''' is a colloquial expression which describes an [[alcoholic]] who no longer drinks but maintains the same behavior patterns of an alcoholic.<ref name="BrookSpitz2002">{{cite book|author1=David W. Brook|author2=Henry I. Spitz|title=The Group Therapy of Substance Abuse|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QuQOX4nCerwC|date=23 September 2002|publisher=CRC Press|isbn=978-0-7890-1782-6|page=73}}</ref> The objective of groups such as [[Narcotics Anonymous]] (NA) and [[Alcoholics Anonymous]] (AA) is not just to help their members stop abusing drugs and alcohol. It is acknowledged in these programs that addiction is more systemic than a "bad habit" and is fundamentally caused by [[self-centeredness]]. Long term membership in Alcoholics Anonymous has been found to reform [[pathological narcissism]], and those who are sober but retain characteristics of [[personality disorders]] associated with addiction are known in AA as dry drunks.<ref name="TURNBULL1997">{{cite journal | last = Turnbull | first = Liz | year = 1997 | title = Narcissism and the potential for selftransformation in the Twelve Steps | journal = Health | volume = 1 | issue = 2 | pages = 149–165 | doi = 10.1177/136345939700100202 }}</ref><ref name="FLAHERTY1955">{{cite journal | last = Flaherty | first = J.A. | author2 = McGuire, H.T.; Gatski, Robert L. |date=December 1955 | title = The Psychodynamics of The "Dry Drunk" | journal = The American Journal of Psychiatry | volume = 112 | issue = 6 | pages = 460–464 | pmid = 13275595 | doi =10.1176/ajp.112.6.460 }}</ref> The term is used by [[Alcoholics Anonymous]] in relation to feelings of anger, depression and resentment.<ref name="W.1967">{{cite book|author=Bill W.|title=As Bill Sees it: The A.A. Way of Life-- Selected Writings of A.A.'s Co-founder|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=czu0NgAACAAJ|year=1967|publisher=Alcoholics Anonymous World Services|isbn=978-0-916856-03-8|page=vi}}</ref>
'''Dry drunk''' is a colloquial expression which describes an [[alcoholic]] who no longer drinks but maintains the same behaviour patterns of an alcoholic.<ref name="BrookSpitz2002">{{cite book|author1=David W. Brook|author2=Henry I. Spitz|title=The Group Therapy of Substance Abuse|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QuQOX4nCerwC|date=23 September 2002|publisher=CRC Press|isbn=978-0-7890-1782-6|page=73}}</ref> The dry drunk syndrome has also been called the [https://www.verywellmind.com/dry-drunk-syndrome-63281 post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)].The objective of groups such as [[Narcotics Anonymous]] (NA) and [[Alcoholics Anonymous]] (AA) is not just to help their members stop abusing drugs and alcohol. It is acknowledged in these programs that addiction is more systemic than a "bad habit" and is fundamentally caused by self-centeredness. Long term membership in Alcoholics Anonymous has been found to reform [[pathological narcissism]], and those who are sober but retain characteristics of [[personality disorders]] associated with addiction are known in AA as dry drunks.<ref name="TURNBULL1997">{{cite journal | last = Turnbull | first = Liz | year = 1997 | title = Narcissism and the potential for selftransformation in the Twelve Steps | journal = Health | volume = 1 | issue = 2 | pages = 149–165 | doi = 10.1177/136345939700100202 }}</ref><ref name="FLAHERTY1955">{{cite journal | last = Flaherty | first = J.A. | author2 = McGuire, H.T.; Gatski, Robert L. |date=December 1955 | title = The Psychodynamics of The "Dry Drunk" | journal = The American Journal of Psychiatry | volume = 112 | issue = 6 | pages = 460–464 | pmid = 13275595 | doi =10.1176/ajp.112.6.460 }}</ref> The term is used by [[Alcoholics Anonymous]] in relation to feelings of anger, depression and resentment.<ref name="W.1967">{{cite book|author=Bill W.|title=As Bill Sees it: The A.A. Way of Life-- Selected Writings of A.A.'s Co-founder|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=czu0NgAACAAJ|year=1967|publisher=Alcoholics Anonymous World Services|isbn=978-0-916856-03-8|page=vi}}</ref>

A dry drunk can be described as a person who refrains from alcohol or drugs, but still has all the unresolved emotional and psychological issues which might have fuelled the addiction to begin with. These unresolved issues continue to have a hold on their psyche and hence, they act like "dry drunks". <ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/heartache-hope/201105/is-there-dry-drunk-in-your-life|title=Is there a "Dry Drunk" in your life?|website=Psychology Today|language=en-US|access-date=2018-10-27}}</ref>

Effective treatment of this syndrome is essential as this stage holds the highest risk of relapse.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.palmerlakerecovery.com/blog/understanding-coping-paws-recovery/|title=Understanding and Coping with PAWS During Recovery|last=Bush|first=Eric|website=www.palmerlakerecovery.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-10-27}}</ref>

== The psychodynamics of the dry drunk ==
In most cases, [[Alcohol dependence|alcohol dependancy]] is a substantial factor in the lives of the alcoholics and accepting sobriety comes with its own challenges and understanding of their personality. Despite leaving alcohol and de-addicting themselves, most of their personalities are an embodiment of their drunkard selves. <ref name=":0" />

The dry drunk is portrayed with feelings of profound depression and frustration and with the indecisive feeling of wanting a drink that they have given up. Several alcoholics drink for about 10-20 years before maintaining sobriety and get used to their personality and character traits that are embodied by their drunkard selves. During this phase of dry drunk, the addicts face restlessness, frustration, anger, impatience and craving. The symptoms of dry drunkenness are irregular and become less intense as the period of sobriety increases. Most of the symptoms of dry drunkenness can be noticed in the initial phase of sobriety.  <ref>{{Cite journal|last=FLAHERTY|first=J. A.|last2=MCGUIRE|first2=H. T.|last3=GATSKI|first3=ROBERT L.|date=1955-12|title=THE PSYCHODYNAMICS OF THE "DRY DRUNK"|url=https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/ajp.112.6.460|journal=American Journal of Psychiatry|language=en|volume=112|issue=6|pages=460–464|doi=10.1176/ajp.112.6.460|issn=0002-953X}}</ref>

Irresponsibility, anger and resentment now seem to go with the active alcoholic as well as the "dry drunk". <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.palmerlakerecovery.com/blog/understanding-coping-paws-recovery/|title=Understanding and Coping with PAWS During Recovery|last=Bush|first=Eric|website=www.palmerlakerecovery.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-10-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/heartache-hope/201105/is-there-dry-drunk-in-your-life|title=Is there a "Dry Drunk" in your life?|website=Psychology Today|language=en-US|access-date=2018-10-27}}</ref>

== Characteristics of a dry drunk ==
After the stage of physical withdrawals are eliminated from the alcoholic’s life, the stage of emotional and psychological symptoms start to become evident and become dominant.

Some of the characteristic symptoms are:

·       Anxiety and panic attacks

·       Depression

·       Suicidal thoughts

·       Irritability

·       Sudden mood swings

·       Fatigue

·       Lack of motivation

·       Insomnia

·       Inability to concentrate

·       General cognitive impairment

·       Memory loss

·       Difficulty solving problems and thinking clearly

·       Obsessive thoughts

·       Fluctuating energy levels

·       Extreme drug cravings and obsessions

·       Anhedonia (the inability to feel pleasure from anything beyond use of the drug)<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.elementsbehavioralhealth.com/addiction-resources/drug-addiction-resources/post-acute-withdrawal-syndrome-stages-symptoms/|title=Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome: Stages and Symptoms {{!}}|work=Addiction Treatment {{!}} Elements {{!}} Drug Rehab Treatment Centers|access-date=2018-10-27|language=en-US}}</ref>

== How to cope ==
It is imperative for the recovering addict to have an open mind and positive attitude. It is also crucial for them to deal with the psychological concerns that might have started their addiction initially. Frustration and impatience are common characteristics of a recovering addict and it is considered best to confront these feelings rather than deny the reality. <ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.verywellmind.com/dry-drunk-syndrome-63281|title=Overcoming Dry Drunk Syndrome or PAWS|work=Verywell Mind|access-date=2018-10-27}}</ref>

The following can be taken into consideration to cope with dry drunk syndrome:

* Developing a hobby  
* Get healthy
* Boost your brain power
* Lean on your loved ones
* Educate yourself
* Stay active
* Be positive
* Identify and avoid triggers
* Eat healthy


==See also==
==See also==

Revision as of 10:12, 27 October 2018

Dry drunk is a colloquial expression which describes an alcoholic who no longer drinks but maintains the same behaviour patterns of an alcoholic.[1] The dry drunk syndrome has also been called the post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).The objective of groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is not just to help their members stop abusing drugs and alcohol. It is acknowledged in these programs that addiction is more systemic than a "bad habit" and is fundamentally caused by self-centeredness. Long term membership in Alcoholics Anonymous has been found to reform pathological narcissism, and those who are sober but retain characteristics of personality disorders associated with addiction are known in AA as dry drunks.[2][3] The term is used by Alcoholics Anonymous in relation to feelings of anger, depression and resentment.[4]

A dry drunk can be described as a person who refrains from alcohol or drugs, but still has all the unresolved emotional and psychological issues which might have fuelled the addiction to begin with. These unresolved issues continue to have a hold on their psyche and hence, they act like "dry drunks". [5]

Effective treatment of this syndrome is essential as this stage holds the highest risk of relapse.[6]

The psychodynamics of the dry drunk

In most cases, alcohol dependancy is a substantial factor in the lives of the alcoholics and accepting sobriety comes with its own challenges and understanding of their personality. Despite leaving alcohol and de-addicting themselves, most of their personalities are an embodiment of their drunkard selves. [5]

The dry drunk is portrayed with feelings of profound depression and frustration and with the indecisive feeling of wanting a drink that they have given up. Several alcoholics drink for about 10-20 years before maintaining sobriety and get used to their personality and character traits that are embodied by their drunkard selves. During this phase of dry drunk, the addicts face restlessness, frustration, anger, impatience and craving. The symptoms of dry drunkenness are irregular and become less intense as the period of sobriety increases. Most of the symptoms of dry drunkenness can be noticed in the initial phase of sobriety.  [7]

Irresponsibility, anger and resentment now seem to go with the active alcoholic as well as the "dry drunk". [8][9]

Characteristics of a dry drunk

After the stage of physical withdrawals are eliminated from the alcoholic’s life, the stage of emotional and psychological symptoms start to become evident and become dominant.

Some of the characteristic symptoms are:

·       Anxiety and panic attacks

·       Depression

·       Suicidal thoughts

·       Irritability

·       Sudden mood swings

·       Fatigue

·       Lack of motivation

·       Insomnia

·       Inability to concentrate

·       General cognitive impairment

·       Memory loss

·       Difficulty solving problems and thinking clearly

·       Obsessive thoughts

·       Fluctuating energy levels

·       Extreme drug cravings and obsessions

·       Anhedonia (the inability to feel pleasure from anything beyond use of the drug)[10]

How to cope

It is imperative for the recovering addict to have an open mind and positive attitude. It is also crucial for them to deal with the psychological concerns that might have started their addiction initially. Frustration and impatience are common characteristics of a recovering addict and it is considered best to confront these feelings rather than deny the reality. [10][11]

The following can be taken into consideration to cope with dry drunk syndrome:

  • Developing a hobby  
  • Get healthy
  • Boost your brain power
  • Lean on your loved ones
  • Educate yourself
  • Stay active
  • Be positive
  • Identify and avoid triggers
  • Eat healthy

See also

References

Look up dry drunk in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
  1. ^ David W. Brook; Henry I. Spitz (23 September 2002). The Group Therapy of Substance Abuse. CRC Press. p. 73. ISBN 978-0-7890-1782-6.
  2. ^ Turnbull, Liz (1997). "Narcissism and the potential for selftransformation in the Twelve Steps". Health. 1 (2): 149–165. doi:10.1177/136345939700100202.
  3. ^ Flaherty, J.A.; McGuire, H.T.; Gatski, Robert L. (December 1955). "The Psychodynamics of The "Dry Drunk"". The American Journal of Psychiatry. 112 (6): 460–464. doi:10.1176/ajp.112.6.460. PMID 13275595.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ Bill W. (1967). As Bill Sees it: The A.A. Way of Life-- Selected Writings of A.A.'s Co-founder. Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. p. vi. ISBN 978-0-916856-03-8.
  5. ^ a b "Is there a "Dry Drunk" in your life?". Psychology Today. Retrieved 2018-10-27.
  6. ^ Bush, Eric. "Understanding and Coping with PAWS During Recovery". www.palmerlakerecovery.com. Retrieved 2018-10-27.
  7. ^ FLAHERTY, J. A.; MCGUIRE, H. T.; GATSKI, ROBERT L. (1955-12). "THE PSYCHODYNAMICS OF THE "DRY DRUNK"". American Journal of Psychiatry. 112 (6): 460–464. doi:10.1176/ajp.112.6.460. ISSN 0002-953X. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  8. ^ Bush, Eric. "Understanding and Coping with PAWS During Recovery". www.palmerlakerecovery.com. Retrieved 2018-10-27.
  9. ^ "Is there a "Dry Drunk" in your life?". Psychology Today. Retrieved 2018-10-27.
  10. ^ a b "Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome: Stages and Symptoms |". Addiction Treatment | Elements | Drug Rehab Treatment Centers. Retrieved 2018-10-27.
  11. ^ "Overcoming Dry Drunk Syndrome or PAWS". Verywell Mind. Retrieved 2018-10-27.

Further reading


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