justdave

Thanks for the replies, I learned quite a bit from this. I recognize some behavior in myself that could be labeled as dry drunk. Usually those times are when I've run into a 'trigger' situation.

cabledude

The term refers to people who are hypersensitive, argumentative, unapproachable, self-absorbed, unteachable, upset often, operating on fear, jumpy, and often on the ragged edge constantly keeping a weather eye out for anyone who might victimize them.

If the term 'Dry Drunk' sends them off into fits it's usually a sign they are one. Another clue is there's usually a vacant seat on either side of them. If there are two vacant seats on each side, watch out.

LillieB

John, I alway err on the side of caution when I choose to label someone. I also don't use the phrase "true sobriety". Once again it is simply a judgement made by others. As far as a "spiritual awakening" is concerned that has zero to do with my sobriety and in my opinion has no relevance. I appreciate your post.

Justdave, don't worry bout being crabby..it happens early into a quit.

Mark75

Just for the fun of it, Your avatar suggests an individual who is either angry or, put another way, a dry drunk at the computer... LOL, please don't take offense, but is that the way you feel... angry?

LillieB

Is that what my avatar suggests to you Mark? Interesting opinion. It takes a lot to offend me, no worries there. I do get choleric when people make up fictitious ailments especially ones that are only meant to disparage.

Mark75

Oh no, I meant Dave's.... Thanx for helping me clarify that... But I guess your's could provoke anger... which would be an appropriate response.

justdave

LOL, you're right! That's not a good representation of me. I've changed it to something more appropriate.

LillieB

My bad Mark. Thanks for the clarification. Mine should incite a drastic shift in the way one sees reality outside the little bubbles in which we reside.

Mark75

It is jarring, as it should be!

LillieB

Indeed. It certainly puts the concept of dry drunks into perspective.

Anna

People, let's keep this thread on track helping Dave to understand his original post about what is a dry drunk.

Please keep personal comments to one another to PM, not on the boards.

least

For me, a 'dry drunk' is giving up drinking without changing my attitude. Still wanting to drink but not giving in. Now that I'm sober, not just 'dry', I no longer want to drink.

JTele

So, please allow for me to pose this question: What is an alcoholic classified as when he/she quits drinking without changing his/her attitude or lifestyle or without the help of AA or other recovery programs, but they're now discovering peace, solitude, and happiness in the fact that not drinking has become a true blessing within their own personal well being?

Mark75

Recovered?

Chops

Then I guess someone using the term in the halls of AA would be ridiculous unless they have MD, MS, LDAC or PhD at the end of their name. If it is a medical term used by professionals to diagnose then it would be a like a laymen looking at someone and saying.... mmmmm it looks like they have bipolar disorder.

And if it is a person who is exhibiting the same behaviors as when they were drinking one would have had to observe the "dry drunk" when he was drinking to make the correlation. We don't all act the same way drunk.

I have never heard the term used to simply describe in a medical manner what is wrong with someone. My experience is that it is used as a put down by people who are too elevated to simply admit they that don't like someone. YMMV.........

OTOH If someone wants to call themselves a dry drunk, that is their business.

itsthesecret

I don't like the term dry drunk, it was probably invented by someone angry with the behaviour of someone in recovery.

No one can be perfect, we have good and bad days, as long as we do our best that is all that matters.

Pete55

I think when it come to alcoholism, there is no quitting, it's surrender, in other words, the game is up, it's over, no going back.
But to truly identify which "class" one is at, read the BB (Page 20-"Moderate drinker" to page 21 after you have read the Doctor;s Opinion) because it would be erounos for any alcoholic to "classify" what another alcoholic is, we are not doctors.

Supercrew

No, I just quit picking the bottle up. I did other things to keep me occupied and to keep my mind occupied and I bettered myself on different levels as far as mentally and physically, but basically I just quit drinking once I convinced my mind I could do it.

It really isn't a one size fits all. I am happy "surrender" worked well for you Pete.

LillieB

I'm with supercrew on this. I too quit pouring alcohol down my throat. No surrender. I also found other more productive things to do with my life.
The bb is not an authority on alcoholism, it is a text book if you will for the program of aa.
Not sure if one would want to reference it for it's medical context ie: identifying a "class"

Bingen

Dry drunk I'd a person showing all symptoms of low. Blood sugar levels when brain can not get the Sugar it needs to function . Brain is the only organ in human body which needs glucose as fuel to function .

There has been so much importance given to mental part than Physilogical aspects of withdrawn symptoms . The Dry drunk condition can be treated by ensuring uniform levels of blood sugar . Pl consult your doctor and nutrition expert And they will guide you .

I recommend two books . Seven weeks to sobriety by Joan sanders and Get Sober , Stay Sober by Cynthia Perkins