Meaning of dry drunk | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A recovering alcoholic who is not drinking alcohol, but has relapsed mentally and emotionally;
2. Such a relapse.
3. Any substance addict who has quit using, but remains psychologically dependent.

Examples

“Denise called Frank a "dry drunk." He no longer drank but he continued to indulge in "the same wild, erratic behavior binges" without the "excuse of alcohol" in his system.”

“"I think Big Jed's dad may be a dry drunk. He seems to have all the problems of an alcoholic, just not the drinking.[…]"”

“Family members frequently report that a dry drunk is as difficult to live with as a "wet drunk." After all, it is not the drinking and drugging that bothers family members but the abusive, unpredictable behavior that comes with it.”

“One of the best ways out of a "dry drunk" is to work with another still-suffering alcoholic.”

“Abstinence leaves me without nicotine, but still living with the old beliefs and behaviors that cry for the drug—in short, living a "dry drunk."”

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