To me, today, when I call myself a dry drunk I talk about a me who thinks I have travelled far enough. I forget my child hood dream of following the railroad track into the mist to see what there is beyond. Beyond is more mist. When I think I have arrived and then realise I haven't, it is then that I can say I may have been a dry drunk for a while. So, I pick up my swag and keep walking towards that mist.
If you're young, I highly recommend taking the express and get towards the end while you still have many years to enjoy.
btw, thank you sincerely, Robby, sometimes you seem to have come up with just the thing to get me somewhat back on track. Thank you.