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Dry drunk condition continues
with negative alcoholic traits

                                                          
By Mick Conway
Addictions
 
The term, "Dry Drunk,” refers to a condition in which an alcoholic, although not actively drinking, exhibits negative behaviors associated with the compulsive use of alcohol.  A return to the unhealthy attitudes of full-blown alcoholism may include some of the following symptoms:

- Grandiosity, or attempting to impress others with self-importance or affection.

- Rigidity, the inflexible, unyielding belief that one's opinions are the only ones that are correct.

- Impatience, the lack of endurance necessary to sustain healthy relationships with others.

- Immaturity, being easily bored or distracted or the feeling of being dissatisfied with life.

- Lack of insight into one's own character defects and the inability to be totally honest with oneself about those deficiencies. Self-deception and a lack of honesty preclude any real recognition of personal traits.

- Rationalizing, or making excuses for behaviors and attitudes.  Blaming others for real or imagined difficulties is evidence of "stinking thinking".

- Projection, as in accusing others of having the character defects that we, ourselves, have.

- Over-reacting to situations or incidents that ordinarily are of little consequence.

- Compliance, as evidenced in recognizing the truths learned in Treatment but failing to translate the words into effective action. This person has all the answers but cannot apply them to his or her life.
 
Deviation from a continuing recovery plan such as attendance at AA meetings, reading and living the 12 Steps of AA, and not working at living one-day-at-a-time philosophy of Alcoholics Anonymous can cause "dry drunk" symptoms to interfere with an otherwise strong recovery.
 
Some recovering alcoholics experience a feeling of disappointment with their sobriety.  The expectation of living happily-ever-after is not always realized and in this aura of disappointment, relapse may occur.  Facing the inevitable problems of daily life without the conviction that               sobriety, in itself, is worthwhile may lead to a fall from sobriety that is devastating to the alcoholic and frightening to the family.
 
When "dry drunk" symptoms appear, the warning flags are up for relapse.  Recognition of the danger signal and acting to prevent a full-blown relapse are the responsibility of the alcoholic.  Remembering to turn to God for help should top the list of priorities in maintaining sobriety, as this is essential in dealing with powerlessness in the disease of alcoholism.  When we are afraid of falling, we reach out for support.  In the case of an imminent fall from sobriety, support from the Lord, the strength He gives to those who ask for it, may be the force which will prevent a recovering alcoholic from returning to a life of drunkenness.
 
Calling a Sponsor, working the AA program, attending meetings, going to Aftercare groups, are all excellent ways to prevent relapse.
 
Family members who recognize "dry drunk" symptoms must concentrate on taking care of themselves for they know the alcoholic must fight this battle of the bottle in his or her own way.  No amount of nagging or coercing on their part will make any difference.  It will only aggravate the situation.  Attendance at Al Anon and AlaTeen meetings will keep the focus where it belongs - on themselves and what they must do to stay healthy.
                 
Prayer is certainly one of the things family members can do together when crisis is looms ahead.  Turning to God in genuine appeal is the best way to relieve fear, for placing our confidence and hope in the Lord will give us the courage to continue living and loving the ones who need us.