What Is Dry Drunk Syndrome? Symptoms and Recovery

Some people use dry drunk syndrome1 to refer to post-acute withdrawal syndrome or PAWS2. PAWS can occur after someone stops taking a substance, and it involves a variety of mood and psychological-related symptoms. Someone with PAWS may experience similar symptoms to what they experienced when they were drinking. To be sure, physical recovery is important, but so are mental and emotional growth. A dry drunk has stopped drinking but has not dealt with the root causes of the problem that led to their addiction, and so are susceptible to bad behaviors and relapse. A dry drunk is an alcoholic who has quit drinking but hasn’t changed the emotional or psychological aspects behind their addiction.

• Long-term sobriety can sometimes create a sense of safety, which can cause a person to forget to tend to their ongoing emotional and mental health.
• Anyone that prematurely left addiction treatment likely won’t enjoy the inner healing it can provide.
• A person may be a dry drunk during the time between becoming sober and entering recovery.
• Substituting alcohol dependence for another addiction due to unresolved trauma.

More on Substance Abuse and Addiction

The dry drunk syndrome is when you turn to destructive coping habits instead of developing healthy habits. For recovery to be successful, you must deal with any mental health issues or trauma contributing to your substance abuse problems. At Greater Boston Addiction Centers (GBAC), we understand the complexities of addiction recovery, including Dry Drunk Syndrome. If you’ve been through an alcohol rehab programme at a recognised treatment centre, you’ll already be well equipped with the tools to maintain your sobriety.

• If they stop doing all the things they were doing to grow, recover, or get better, then the unresolved issues from their addiction can come back and the symptoms of Dry Drunk Syndrome will return.
• If a person is having difficulty with their PAWS symptoms, they should speak with a healthcare professional.
• A luxury center treating addiction and co-occurring mental health with evidence-based therapies, a continuum of care in bespoke facilities, and private bedrooms.
• Recovery is about replacing unhealthy coping mechanisms with healthy ones.

Dry Drunk vs. Sober

Mindfulness practices such as meditation or yoga can help individuals stay present and reduce the impact of emotional triggers. Here at heroin addiction Ascendant New York, we understand the importance of having access to accurate medical information you can trust, especially when you or a loved one is suffering from addiction. Alcohol addiction is a disease, but that doesn’t excuse abusive behavior. If your loved one behaves in toxic or aggressive ways, it’s best to talk this over with a therapist and develop a plan to keep yourself safe. All of this can be frustrating if you have a loved one in recovery.

Dry Drunk Definition Continued

Identifying and understanding the various triggers for dry drunk syndrome is essential for maintaining sobriety and fostering a healthier recovery. Triggers can be emotional, environmental, or related to personal relationships. Yes, individuals who do not address their underlying issues and emotional recovery may relapse into alcohol use disorder. You also have to explore, deeply and honestly, patterns and behaviors in your life that contribute to your alcohol use.

Lack of Healthy Coping Skills

Try thinking about what you’d say to a close friend in sober alcoholic meaning your position. Maybe you start by simply going to the gym at a certain time most days of the week. Don’t stress too much about doing a huge workout; just focus on getting yourself there. Instead, focus on taking small steps to build some of them into your routine. “Given that relapse is a process, it can be identified and interpreted before use happens,” she says. Expressing your emotions might seem tough or impossible, which can lead to further frustration.