I've never fully understood the "dry" concept, but I think it has to do with one's attitude and progress in recovery. If you are white knuckling recovery, which we do in the beginning I believe, and it continues that way then I believe you might be classified as dry. If you are working on change in your life whether through an AA program or one of your own making, but you are truly changing your mindset and your way of life then I would consider that a sober life. Totally just an opinion that I hold on to though.