Many people don’t realize that there is a significant difference between “sobriety” and “recovery.” Sobriety is when an individual no longer drinks; however, sobriety is also when that person starts to change other aspects of their life for the better after stopping drinking. Many people refer to an individual who just stops drinking as a “dry drunk.” This is because, while they are no longer drinking, their character defects are still on full display. In other words, it is as though they are still acting emotionally “drunk.”
What Is a Dry Drunk?
A dry drunk is someone who no longer drinks but has yet to experience the benefits of a healthy recovery from alcoholism. Now, it should be noted that stopping drinking is a major accomplishment. Also, for many people, this is enough to live a healthy and fulfilling life.
However, for what Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) refers to as “the real alcoholic,” simply quitting drinking is not enough. This only creates a dry drunk. For the real alcoholic, they only have one solution to life’s problems – alcohol. So, when that “solution” is taken away without being replaced, the individual is left feeling alone and depressed.
This is why, for a full and healthy recovery, alcohol must be replaced with some other type of solution. In AA, this solution is a spiritual one. As is often said, “the hole that alcohol has left must be filled with something else.” This is where a program like AA comes in. It will eliminate the potential of becoming a dry drunk.
Am I a Dry Drunk?
So, how would one know if they were a dry drunk or not? This takes spiritual and emotional reflection. You must ask yourself if you are truly happy now that you are no longer drinking. If your answer is “no,” then you are probably missing the benefits of an engaging recovery.
You can also determine if you are a dry drunk based on your behaviors. If you are still acting out in negative ways, such as financial fraud, cheating on a significant other, or constantly being angry, then you may very well be a dry drunk. These are known as “character defects.” The good news is that there is a solution for these character defects – the Twelve Steps of Recovery and other recovery programs.
As a dry drunk, you may also often feel lonely and depressed. This is because you feel like they are separate from other people. However, millions of people are also in recovery who are ready and willing to help one get from a dry drunk to a recovering one.
Going Back to Being a Dry Drunk
It is also important to remember that recovery is not an event; it is a process. That is why many people experience a really healthy recovery but become dry drunks after they stop putting in the work that it takes to stay recovered.
Further, this is why many people believe that the Twelve Steps of AA are an ideal way to stop from becoming a dry drunk. This is especially true with steps Ten, Eleven, and Twelve. These are known as the “maintenance steps” because they help to keep an individual engaged with their recovery by meditation, self-reflecting, and helping others.
This aspect of helping others is crucial for long-term recovery and avoiding becoming a dry drunk. It can also ensure that you don’t go beyond that place of dry drunkenness and experience a full relapse. Many people don’t realize just how prevalent relapses are. So, being able to avoid them takes a lot of work.
Helping Others Avoid Becoming a Dry Drunk
One of the best ways to avoid becoming a dry drunk is to help others do the same. This is where the sponsor/sponsee relationship can become so important. This is a relationship that can ensure that you are engaging in all of the activities that help to avoid the dry drunk state.
Attending regular recovery meetings (like 12-Step meetings) is also an ideal way to avoid becoming a dry drunk. These meetings help to remind individuals of the principles of recovery and to practice them on a daily basis. Putting your faith in a “Higher Power” of one’s own understanding is also very helpful in ensuring that your recovery remains healthy and ongoing.
Connecting With The Phoenix Recovery Center for Long-Term Recovery
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive, with a focus on the future.
This is also how we ensure that our clients experience all the joys and miracles of recovery rather than falling into the dry-drunk trap. A healthy recovery is waiting. It’s time to go out there and grab it!
Many people struggle with being “dry drunks.” This means that they are sober, but they are not experiencing all of the benefits that a life in recovery can offer. The good news is that there is a solution. Many effective means, methods, and modalities can help you evolve from being a dry drunk to a recovered one. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the positive path toward long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. To begin your healing journey complete this short form or call The Phoenix Recovery Center at (801) 438-3185.
