Alcohol abuse and addiction can impact every aspect of a person’s health and well-being. People with alcohol use disorder (AUD) may have health, social, legal, and financial problems related to their drinking. It can be challenging for people with AUD to stop drinking, but comprehensive treatment can make it possible.
Even after receiving comprehensive treatment, people with AUD may struggle with lingering symptoms of the condition. They may get “stuck” in destructive patterns that lead to more harm. Some people call this “dry drunk syndrome.”
This article will explore dry drunk syndrome. You will learn:
- The symptoms of dry drunk syndrome
- What causes people to develop this syndrome
- How to support someone in recovery from alcohol addiction
- Where to find addiction treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love needs treatment or support in recovery, you are not alone. Find the comprehensive, compassionate treatment you need at Agape Behavioral Health. Our programs offer a holistic approach to addiction recovery, including medical care, mental health support, and education.
Contact the Agape Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Dry Drunk Syndrome?
The term “dry drunk” describes unhealthy beliefs and behaviors that can remain after completing addiction treatment. People with alcohol addiction may struggle with destructive thoughts and habits that keep them from truly moving forward.
The founders of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) were the first to use this term. They developed this term in the 1970s to describe members who continued to exhibit destructive behaviors or thoughts that interfered with their recoveries.
Recognizing the Signs of a Dry Drunk
Dry drunk syndrome is a term used to describe lingering patterns and beliefs that keep people from reaching their recovery goals. It is not a medical term, but it does describe behaviors that may require treatment and support.
Some common symptoms of this syndrome include:
- Anxiety about staying sober
- Feelings of jealousy or resentment toward people who do not struggle with substance abuse
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Resentment or anger toward family and friends
- Mood swings or lack of emotional regulation
- Self-obsession
- Shifting addictive behaviors onto other outlets, such as eating, sex, or gambling
Anyone can develop dry drunk syndrome. However, people who do not get professional treatment or ongoing support may be more likely to develop it.
Mental health and medical professionals believe that dry drunk behaviors may be a sign of unresolved psychological issues. People may seek behavioral therapies, counseling, education, and other forms of support to address dry drunk syndrome.
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What Causes Dry Drunk Syndrome?
Substance use disorder (SUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are complex conditions. Many things may contribute to SUD or AUD, including:
- Genetics
- Behaviors
- Environment
- Emotional or psychological issues
Some addiction experts believe people may deal with dry drunk syndrome for several reasons. Here is an overview of what may cause this syndrome.
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)
Some experts believe dry drunk syndrome may be a part of post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). PAWS is a condition that occurs when withdrawal symptoms last longer than usual. People may develop PAWS after detoxing from alcohol or other drugs. PAWS symptoms may include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Cravings
- Insomnia
- Changes in libido
- Unexplained physical pain
- Foggy thinking
These and other PAWS symptoms can make people feel discouraged.
Co-occurring mental health conditions
Mental health and medical experts believe people may drink alcohol to cover up or manage the symptoms of a mental health condition. People may drink to suppress anxiety, cope with stress, or counteract depression. When people stop drinking, they may discover their mental health challenges are still there.
Lack of support
People may leave rehab feeling energized and optimistic about recovery. However, as time goes on, they may discover that life in recovery is more challenging than they had expected. Without additional support, many in recovery may feel discouraged, anxious, or hopeless.
Long-term recovery from AUD requires intensive treatment and ongoing support. Having adequate support can help people manage unexpected symptoms, challenges, or mental health conditions in recovery.
How to Support Someone With Dry Drunk Syndrome
If you love someone in recovery struggling with dry drunk syndrome, there are many ways you can support them. First, encourage your loved one to stay active in their recovery. This may include:
- Attending medical and mental health check-ups
- Participating in counseling
- Attending support groups and 12-step meetings
- Staying socially active
- Eating well
- Prioritizing sleep
- Getting regular exercise
If your loved one feels discouraged or struggles with challenging symptoms, they may require additional treatment or support. Contact the Agape Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about supporting people in recovery.
Find Treatment and Support Now
If you or someone you love lives with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Find treatment, education, support, and resources that support long-term recovery at Agape Behavioral Health. Contact our intake specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an appointment.
