Dry Drunk Syndrome: Symptoms, Challenges, and Ways to Overcome
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) coined the term dry drunk syndrome (DDS) to describe a specific condition when an individual who no longer consumes alcohol has to deal with problems that caused the initial dependence on booze. However, many critics doubt the use of the term and believe it should not be used lightly due to its stigmatizing potential. A person with DDS should be ready to transform their mindset and change their behavior patterns to overcome the addiction. In this guide, we will consider the typical causes of DDS and the most result-yielding strategies for helping individuals advance on the way to sobriety.
What is Dry Drunk Syndrome
This term refers to the concept devised by the founders of the highly effective 12-step program. It is commonly used to describe the behaviors and perceptions of a person with alcohol use disorder (AUD) before they move toward the recovery stage.
People who struggle to overcome DDS may experience issues damaging their relationships with their closest relatives. They often acquire habits that have adverse effects on their health. Even though many patients at this stage already recognize the dangers of drinking and stop consuming alcohol, they still have to deal with emotional states that cause AUD.
Individuals who decide to quit substance addiction without getting help from a healthcare professional typically have DDS as the result of their inability to manage withdrawal symptoms and psychological problems.
Characterized as a mental condition among people with substance use disorder, it has a dangerous impact on a person’s well-being and is quite widespread. Nonetheless, a person can overcome it after getting professional aid.
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Symptoms of Dry Drunk Syndrome
Alcoholism has a set of dangerous consequences. They impact the whole life of a person. While DDS is a more specific condition, several telltale signs point to it:
- Irritation with close relatives and friends;
- Anger caused by the slow recuperation;
- A strong fear of relapses;
- Resentment toward friends without AUD;
- Nostalgic memories about the situations where an individual was still consuming alcohol;
- The desire to replace one substance with another.
Striving to suppress cravings, a patient may start looking for other things to replace inebriants. Failing to understand the triggers causing the addiction and develop mechanisms protecting from relapses reduces the chances of achieving lasting sobriety.
DDS has a strong impact on a person’s psychological state. If they fail to enroll in therapy programs and participate in 12-step groups, it may be impossible to discover the root cause of their addiction. However, using time-tested methods and visiting cognitive behavior therapy sessions can improve the chances of achieving sustainable progress.
Challenges of Dry Drunk Syndrome
Addictive behaviors often manifest due to a person’s inability to develop healthy ways of dealing with specific issues. Without any preparation, it can be impossible to resist the temptation to resume drinking. Nevertheless, many individuals do not fully understand the essential role of the holistic approach to recovery. They have doubts about the effectiveness of widely used treatment strategies.
When dealing with the problem on their own, patients with DDS often feel as if they were white knuckling through a situation, making them extremely anxious. They are tempted to resume booze consumption to stop depressing thoughts and suppress negative feelings. Only by becoming fully self-aware and going through the detox stage can they start resolving the problems that cause dry drunk syndrome.
As many individuals consider recovery a personal endeavor, they tend to disregard the significance of support groups. When addicts understand the necessity to enroll in treatment programs and embrace a healthy lifestyle, they do not fully grasp the complexity of the complications they face. When they stop consuming substances, they might experience strong cravings.
Even though it takes only the right motivation to say “no” to alcohol, finding the internal resources is not easy. People who believe they can resolve the issue on their own have to deal with disappointment. They should educate themselves about the perils of self-treatment, get professional assistance, and find a supportive environment to improve their outcomes.
Risks Associated with Dry Drunk Syndrome
Treating alcoholism without professional assistance is an arduous task. DDS has several widely documented implications. People with this condition may still demonstrate dangerous behaviors and harbor strong negative thoughts that heavily affect their relationships and careers.
Many people wonder: “How long does dry drunk syndrome last?” Its signs could be present for weeks or months. DDS is associated with the following consequences:
- Increased self-isolation;
- Social awkwardness;
- Pessimistic thoughts;
- Mental health complications, including depression and anxiety;
- A high possibility of relapse;
- Inability to develop a strong coping mechanism;
- Chronic stress;
- Dissatisfaction with life.
The occurrence of DDS means that the underlying problem wasn’t addressed properly. Besides, it may worsen the effect of the post acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) and become a serious obstacle on the way to healthy living. The lack of result-yielding coping strategies makes any results temporary and unsustainable. DDS emphasizes the necessity of adopting a complex approach to recovery.
This can be a difficult journey, but you don’t have to go it alone. Let us be your guide and provide you the environment needed to regain control of your life and begin the path to recovery.
How to Battle Dry Drunk Syndrome
Anyone suffering from DDS should take the required steps and get professional treatment. At this point, it’s no longer sufficient to go to AA groups. Getting medical aid is a prerequisite for completing the detox stage and moving toward addiction recovery. Battling defeatist mental patterns also requires attending group or individual therapy sessions to learn about the experiences of others and learn how to resist urges.
Positive encouragement and the opportunity to reflect on the specific events triggering destructive thoughts has a noticeable impact on the person’s ability to remain sober. Practicing self care in recovery is also essential to achieve long-term success.
Alcohol addiction treatment is a long process. There is no need to get discouraged after the first relapse. Initial failures should motivate a person to become more diligent and practice healthier behaviors. After the detox stage, individuals could adopt such strategies:
- Work with a psychologist;
- Explore meditation and other spiritual practices;
- Focus on physical exercises;
- Stay in a secure environment;
- Spend time with similarly minded people.
Eco Sober Houses understands clients’ needs to stay in a safe environment where they won’t be judged by others. Many addicted individuals do not have such a place and live among those who do not share their aspirations. Finding reliable housing programs for individuals with dry drunk syndrome is the best option to adapt to a substance-free lifestyle. Get in touch with our experts now and discover how to direct your efforts to achieve lasting results.
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