A dry drunk is someone who has quit drinking through a detox program or on their own but has yet to deal with the reasons behind the abuse. Dry drunk symptoms cause difficulties in controlling mood and behavior, and they will often come across as angry and irritable. If you take away a person’s solution to a problem without addressing the original problem, it will only worsen and lead to a relapse. The best type of addiction treatment program for dry drunk syndrome is one that simultaneously treats the physical and mental aspects of addiction.
At Swift River, we help Massachusennites who are struggling with alcohol addiction and need help reaching and maintaining their sober goals. We teach patients how to cope with the reasons behind their addiction so they can stop the abuse and gain a positive attitude about their recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction, give us a call today at 413.570.9698 to learn more about our addiction treatment facility.
Recognizing Dry Drunk Symptoms
Knowing what the dry drunk symptoms are can help you recognize when a friend or loved one still need help with their addiction, even if they have already stopped drinking. Just because they have stopped drinking does not mean they are all better. If they don’t address the original reasons behind the abuse, their recovery will be short-lived and leave them with a negative view of recovery and their ability to maintain a sober life.
If you or a loved one has recently stopped drinking, look for these dry drunk symptoms to recognize whether they still need therapy to treat their addiction:
- Feeling angry, frustrated, or irritable most of the time
- Have trouble concentrating
- Becomes anxious about maintaining their sobriety
- Develops a resentment toward others who still drink
- Avoiding friends or social events where there is alcohol
- Sees alcohol as the only answer to their problems
- They are unable to be around alcohol without being consumed by their cravings or triggers
At Swift River, our team is very familiar with the dry drunk symptoms that can cause people to relapse. Our treatment programs focus on the whole person and not just one aspect of their condition for a well-rounded treatment experience.
The Dangers of Dry Drunk Behavior
Dry Drunk behavior will ultimately lead a person to abuse more alcohol and increase the potential for alcohol poisoning and death if they don’t take their lowered tolerance into account. Those who struggle with dry drunk syndrome can find help by enrolling in an addiction treatment program that focuses on the mental aspects of addiction. These programs will involve:
- Behavioral therapy – Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most widely accepted treatment options for addiction and the mental health disorders that cause it. Therapists will guide patients toward uncovering the root cause of the addiction while teaching them how to talk about their feelings in an appropriate manner.
- Medication-assisted treatment – For patients still going through withdrawals or overwhelmed by depression or anxiety, medication can minimize these symptoms. Medical staff will administer medications and adjust the dosage to find the right combination for the most benefits with minimal negative side effects.
- Family support – Dry drunk behavior is one of the causes of breaking up families and causing further mental harm. Parents and spouses will have a chance to talk with a therapist about any frustrations or anger they have. They will learn about the dangers of alcohol and how they can become a part of the recovery process by creating a stable and sober home.
Learning to spot the signs of a dry drunk in a friend or loved one is important if you feel they are heading for a relapse. Recognizing these signs can possibly prevent them from overreacting to stressful situations and keep them from drinking again.
Find Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Swift River – Massachusetts
At Swift River, we are well aware of all of the signs of a dry drunk and what it will take to treat their condition. Our behavioral therapists have experience treating all types of addiction and the underlying causes behind it. Patients will learn how to process their feelings appropriately and begin to feel better about themselves and their chances of maintaining lifelong sobriety.
To learn more about our addiction treatment facility, call 413.570.9698 or fill out our online form today, and one of our team members will get back to you within 24 hours.
