Dry Drunk - How Abstinence Alone is Not Enough!

p>As a psychiatrist, I have had the experience ofthe willpower to stop her addiction, but her underlying
treating "dry drunks" over my twenty years ofanger, self esteem issues, and unresolved childhood
practice. A dry drunk is a person who quits drinkingissues are unchanged.
alcohol, but does not address any of his issues that ledCase 2: L.W. is a 20 year old alcoholic that dropped
to drinking excessively. The client will say, "I feelout of college because of his binge drinking. The last
depressed and anxious". He admits there has been anfew months at college, he quit going to his classes and
alcohol problem in the past. This type of client usuallystayed in his room getting drunk by himself. He finally
gave up alcohol after experiencing legal problemscalled his parents and said he needed help. He went to
(such as a DWI) or possibly a medical problem (thatan alcohol treatment center for 6 weeks. When he
was serious enough to put a halt to the alcoholfirst came to see me, he said he had difficulty sleeping
consumption). Maybe his spouse threatened to leaveand was still depressed. After adjusting his medication,
him which "scared" him into sobriety.his symptoms of depression cleared and his sleep
What happens to a person who quits drinking alcohol,improved. He rarely went to alcohol anonymous
but does not address the issues behind his alcoholmeetings and did not actively participate when he
problem? He acts like an alcoholic! He will continue towent. He thinks his ability to maintain his sobriety over
exhibit alcoholic behavior even with no alcohol "onthe last six months indicates that he does not have a
board"!real alcohol problem and therefore does not need a 12
Here are some cases from my practice:step program. He has reverted back to his old lifestyle
Case 1: J.R. is 42 year old woman who has a longhanging out with his high school drinking buddies and
history of excessive drinking. She comes to medoes not have any goals for the future. He also has
because her husband said if she does not quit drinkingno interest in therapy.
alcohol, he is taking their two children and leaving her.Both these cases are examples of a "dry drunk". Yes-
He made it clear that he will fight for sole custody.both clients remained clean and sober. However, both
Despite a long history of alcohol abuse, she says shecontinued their alcoholic behavior" in their personal lives
knows she is finally out of chances with her husband.(according to their families). They continued lying,
She goes through detoxification. She starts onmanipulating, and denying responsibility for their own
antidepressants and a medication to decrease alcoholproblems. They remained selfish and angry. Both
cravings. Her mood lifts.denied having an alcohol problem. Neither client
She adamantly refuses to attend alcohol anonymousshowed any true understanding of how their alcohol
meetings or to participate in therapy. She has no insightproblem impacted their families.
into herself and denies any alcohol problem after 4Quitting drinking is the first step in recovery. However,
months of sobriety. She says everything is fine now.the issues that led to excessive drinking must be
Her family is grateful that she no longer drinks.addressed in order to change your self and your life in
However, she still has serious marital difficulties andpositive ways. 12 steps programs, such as alcoholic
tension in her relationship with her teenage children.anonymous meetings, in conjunction with therapy, are
She is easily frustrated. Her children still feel like theyvery effective avenues that lead to true addiction
have to walk on eggshells around her. She has shownrecovery. It is hard work, but well worth the effort.