“If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.” – Tony Robbins
Recovery doesn’t end when your loved one walks out of treatment. It’s a lifelong process of learning and growth. It requires not only separation from alcohol but also building new habits and breaking free from old patterns.
Despite this, as time goes on and your partner returns to their busy life…things can sometimes seem to slip. They suddenly lash out, acting irritable and defensive. It almost feels like they’re back to drinking, but you know they haven’t had anything. You search the internet for an explanation and are left bewildered, asking the question, “What is a dry drunk?”
Last year, roughly two million people in the United States received treatment for an alcohol use disorder, and many will go on to exhibit these same symptoms. At Tranquil Shores, our goal is to provide a peaceful place where your loved one can receive the treatment they need. However, once our clients return to their busy lives, we want them to leave equipped with the tools and skills to handle everything life – and recovery – throws their way. Today, we will discuss what a dry drunk is, how it happens, and provide insight into what you can do about it.
What Is a Dry Drunk?
The term “dry drunk” was first coined by one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, and is used to describe those who exhibit symptoms of alcoholism despite a long period without actually drinking. These symptoms can vary wildly, and often indicate someone is having difficulties with their recovery – sometimes referred to as “white knuckling”.
As time has gone on, clinicians and healthcare providers have moved away from this language, as it’s best to avoid defining people by their illnesses. Someone is not “a drunk”, they have an alcohol use disorder. This means that the phrase dry drunk, or dry drunk syndrome, has generally been replaced outside of specific circles, and instead is considered a subset of a condition known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). However, PAWS refers to a broader spectrum of conditions, as it can include opioid or other substance use disorders, not simply alcohol.
What Causes Dry Drunk Syndrome?
Dry drunk syndrome is a subset of post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) and can stem from many root causes. It occurs after initial acute withdrawal symptoms fade, and can develop at any point within the next several weeks or even months. While cravings may be present, PAWS is primarily known for the psychological and emotional aspects of withdrawal, rather than the acute physical symptoms.
Alcohol addiction is a complex process, not solely based on physical dependence. When your loved one leaves treatment, they may be on the path to recovery, but it is a long journey. They need to continue working to resolve the emotional triggers for their addiction. These can be the stress of new responsibilities at work, the trauma of their past, or even new dramatic changes in their lifestyle. The recovery process itself is often stressful, with many people feeling depressed or ashamed of their previous actions. Developing and maintaining coping skills is critical to long-term success.
Underlying mental health conditions can cause flare-ups. Depression or anxiety can trigger not only their own symptoms but also aspects of PAWS. However, it is important to remind your loved one that this is a normal part of the recovery process. These feelings are usually temporary. While not everyone will experience PAWS, just because your loved one has these negative emotions does not mean they are failing.
Signs and Symptoms of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
The reason PAWS for alcohol was initially referred to as being “dry drunk” is because many of the symptoms mirror the psychological side of alcoholism. While these symptoms will vary with each individual, there are several signs to consider.
Emotional Symptoms
Many of the emotional symptoms associated with alcohol addiction can often show up weeks or months into recovery. These include irritability and anger, sudden flashes of intense displeasure for no apparent reason. Cravings can suddenly appear that have been gone since the early stages of recovery. Apathy may be common, with your partner showing little interest in their hobbies or passions. Your loved one might exhibit resentment toward the people who help them, feeling as though they are being looked down on, and suddenly acting defensive and sensitive. They may express doubt, feeling depressed and uncertain about their future, or their recovery. More than anything, pay attention to large unexplained shifts in mood.
Behavioral Symptoms
Often, these changes in emotions will be accompanied by shifts in behavior that also mirror alcohol use disorder. Your loved one may begin to isolate, withdraw from friends, and perhaps even pull back from recovery programs or support groups. They may begin neglecting their responsibilities and obligations, instead spending more time alone. Pay attention to their words – often, those experiencing PAWS can become nostalgic or even bitter about past alcohol use, reminiscing on times spent drinking.
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome and Return to Use
The impact of post-acute withdrawal syndrome can be serious for anyone in recovery. While the symptoms can cause distress to both your loved ones and the entire family, they can also be disruptive to the recovery process. Research suggests that an overwhelming majority of return-to-use cases in the first year are the result of PAWS and its symptoms. Cravings combine with feelings of nostalgia, mixing with irritability and a sense that all their progress has been for nothing. Alcohol can seem like an easy answer to the climbing stress, and staying alcohol-free feels like an uphill battle. However, this is not inevitable – there are ways to overcome these symptoms.
How To Deal With Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
While PAWS can put tremendous stress on any recovery effort, there are several important steps you or your loved one can take to reduce its impact. Remember, throughout this process, it’s important to provide your loved one with support and make sure they understand that these symptoms do not define them.
First, it’s critical to address the underlying reasons for these emotions. Anger or resentment can stem from feelings of inadequacy, entitlement, or many other factors. Nostalgia or a lack of confidence in their recovery might come from low self-esteem or complacency regarding the recovery process. In each case, it’s important to understand why they are feeling this way, to break down the underlying root cause of the emotion. Most emotions have a very specific rationality behind them. By working to resolve the feelings at this level, long-term progress can be made much more effectively.
Secondly, remember that this is sometimes part of the recovery process. Your loved one may feel like they are backsliding because of these negative emotions. But this is not the case. Recovery isn’t a straight line of progress, it’s a winding path with many ups and downs. This is why effective treatment programs will emphasize coping skills, giving your loved one the ability to push through whatever life sends their way. So remind your loved one that this is a part of healing, that you are there for them, and that they are strong enough to make it through.
And finally, don’t be afraid to seek help. PAWS is not rare, and there are support groups and treatment centers that will be happy to help your loved one through these times. At Tranquil Shores, we highly encourage our clients to reach out to our alumni community, letting them stay connected with others living their same experiences.
Finding Treatment for Alcoholism in Madeira Beach, Florida
If you or a loved one are experiencing PAWS, know that help is always available. There are support groups, counselors, and in some cases even medications that can help alleviate these symptoms. If they have begun alcohol use again, or fear they might start back up, an effective alcohol rehab program can help get their feet back underneath them. Recovery is a long process, but remember, you don’t have to go through it alone.
At Tranquil Shores, we are here to provide the peaceful and private treatment you deserve. Whether it’s initial treatment for an alcohol use disorder, or help preventing return to use, we make sure your partner has every tool they need to succeed. We maintain a 3 to 1 client-to-staff ratio to ensure each client gets the attention and hands-on care they deserve. If you’d like to learn more about our on-the-beach treatment center, call us today at 727-391-7001, or through our contact page.
