Dry Alcoholic Symptoms

A dry alcoholic is an individual who no longer abuses alcohol, yet still exhibits the same behaviors and thought processes as that of an active alcoholic. The term "dry" is a simple reference to the absence of alcohol, while the term "alcoholic" refers to a person who has abused alcohol sometime during her life. The behaviors associated with the condition are also referred to as "dry drunk syndrome" which, if left untreated, can result in a return to alcohol abuse.

What is Alcoholism?

• The U.S. Library of Medicine describes alcoholism as a disease that is associated with serious health risks. People who abuse alcohol are referred to as "alcoholics" and, over time, build up such a strong tolerance for alcohol that more and more is needed to achieve the desired effect. Physical dependence is characteristic of alcoholism, resulting in withdrawal symptoms if the need for alcohol is not met.

Complacency

• An alcoholic who is in recovery must avoid complacency at all costs. Complacency, or "over-confidence," is usually a warning sign that a relapse may be occurring. In the book "A Ghost in the Closet: Is There an Alcoholic Hiding? An Honest Look at Alcoholism," author Dale Mitchel explains that a recovering alcoholic who becomes complacent will begin to miss Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings and will also feel that he is in control of his alcoholism despite the lack of any real support system.

Self-Righteousness

• When an individual is self-righteous, it doesn't always support the feeling that they are better than others or above the law. In fact, a self-righteous, or "grandiose," attitude can simply be a way of feeling sorry for yourself in an attempt to attract attention. For the dry alcoholic, self-righteousness is a red flag that the road to recovery may be failing. In the book "The Dry Drunk Syndrome" by R.J. Solberg, the self-righteousness that is expressed by a dry alcoholic is described as an exaggeration of importance which may simply hide a self-described weakness.

Impulsiveness

• Cigna Behavioral Health explains that dry alcoholic behaviors can be detrimental to the recovery of an alcoholic. Impulsiveness cause harm to the recovering alcoholic and the people around him, even though it may not be intentional. Poor impulse control can also cause a recovering alcoholic to engage in activities that can be self-destructive and lead him back down the path of abusing alcohol.

Judgmentalism

• Judgmental behavior is not only bad for the self-esteem of others, but it is also harmful for an alcoholic in recovery. AA Canada.com explains that judgmentalism results in the inappropriate devaluing of another individual and is closely related to grandiosity. Judgmental behavior inflates the alcoholic's ego, giving her a false sense of security. When the ego is later broken, feelings of unworthiness can begin to set in, causing the alcoholic to find comfort in alcohol once again.