Those who have struggled with addiction and been in recovery or spent time around recovery communities have probably heard the term “dry drunk” being thrown around. Many attribute it to the 12-step approach to recovery, though it has been used more widely over the years as well. Someone with dry drunk syndrome is in a sense in limbo in recovery.
What does it mean to have dry drunk syndrome?
Someone battling dry drunk syndrome no longer drinks alcohol, but they may still behave in similar ways as when they did. Psychologically they have not overcome the challenges that go along with addiction. There are typically two ways that dry drunk syndrome develop:
- The person went through detox on their own or in a program that provided no counseling or therapy. The only part of recovery that they have really done is quitting drinking.
- The person has gone through an Orange County alcohol rehab program but has begun to regress in their progress and slip back into old patterns of thought and behavior.
One way to prevent dry drunk syndrome is to attend a comprehensive drug and alcohol treatment program that not only includes detox but also therapy, counseling, education, and other activities. Once the person completes rehab, they should continue attending support groups or therapy and remain actively involved in their recovery.
What are some symptoms of dry drunk syndrome?
There are certain red flags that can indicate dry drunk syndrome or make people more aware that a problem exists. Everyone has bad days now and then when they may struggle to stay positive and put their all into recovery, but these moments pass and they bounce back. A dry drunk remains in a rut and tends to exhibit a negative attitude even though they’ve stopped drinking. Here are some other symptoms:
- They start becoming more isolated and stop doing activities they once enjoyed. They don’t make much of an effort to stay active and do things to relieve stress and boost their mood.
- They feel bad for themselves and the fact that they can’t drink anymore. They may become easily angered by people who can drink without a problem.
- They may become complacent with their recovery and slack off on relapse prevention efforts. This can mean putting themselves into more tempting situations or being overly confident in their ability to stay sober. If it’s been a long time since they’ve had a drink they may think that slipping back into old habits is okay because they’re in control now.
- They still engage in unhealthy behaviors because they haven’t taken steps to truly change their thinking or actions. They may not be drinking anymore, but they’re still not living a healthy and satisfying life. They’re still miserable, just sober now.
- They reflect back on their drinking days and only see the positives instead of the damage it caused.
- They become restless with recovery because it’s not progressing as fast as they would like. Little things start to annoy them and they become more irrational.
The Dangers of Dry Drunk Syndrome
It’s not hard to see how dry drunk syndrome can lead to relapse. The person has essentially stopped following through with the necessary steps to keep them moving forward. As they digress, it can be easier to justify their drinking or slip back into old routines. Not addressing mental health issues can put them at greater risk for depression, anxiety, or even suicide.
Overcoming Dry Drunk Syndrome
If you realize that you or someone you love is stuck in their recovery and experiencing negative thoughts or behaviors, it’s important to reach out for help. Make it a point to attend support group meetings regularly and interact with others who have gone through similar experiences. They can help you to find more motivation and encouragement in your recovery. Also, consider talking to a therapist so that they can assist you in working through underlying issues or mental health concerns. When recovery starts becoming monotonous or boring, that’s a sign that you need to make some change to stay motivated.
Recovery is about more than just stopping drinking. You also have to change how you think and behave. Instead of trying to detox and handle things on your own, enter into an Orange County rehab center where you will receive the comprehensive care you need. Chapters Capistrano not only offers on-site detox, it also provides individual, group, and family therapy along with 12-step and non 12-step approaches to recovery and a variety of holistic therapies. Your recovery will encompass your physical, mental, emotional, and social well being. Contact Chapters Capistrano at 949-276-2886 for more information and to get started in a treatment program tailored to your individual needs.
