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."”

CEFR level