Dry drunk syndrome: Definition, symptoms, how to cope Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What is ' dry drunk syndrome ' and whom does it affect Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN — By Anna Smith on May 24, 2022Dry drunk syndrome is a term that Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) originally developed. AA used the term to describe a person who has stopped drinking alcohol but still experiences the issues or behaviors that contributed to their alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, many people now consider the term to be stigmatizing and discourage its use. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a form of brain disorder. A person with AUD is unable to stop drinking alcohol, despite the effects it has on their life. Giving up alcohol completely can be an important step in a person’s recovery from AUD. However, this can be a long, difficult process during which some people may experience dry drunk syndrome. This article discusses dry drunk syndrome in more detail, including its symptoms and how a person can cope with it. What does dry drunk syndrome mean Share on PinterestOscar Wong/Getty ImagesDry drunk syndrome is a term that AA developed to describe a person who no longer drinks alcohol but experiences the same issues or acts in the same way as when they were drinking. As the term referred to people who were sober but not receiving treatment for their AUD, it implied that a person was not fully committed to sobriety. Due to the implication that someone is not trying hard enough to recover, the term has negative connotations, and AA now discourages its use. There is little scientific evidence for the existence of dry drunk syndrome. However, some people consider it to be part of post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). PAWS is a series of psychological and mood-related symptoms that can occur after a person stops taking a substance. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) does not recognize the terms dry drunk syndrome and PAWS. Symptoms A person experiencing symptoms of PAWS should not feel shame or discouragement. These symptoms can be a normal part of the recovery process from AUD. A person who has PAWS may experience similar symptoms to when they were drinking alcohol. These symptoms can include:mood shiftsvariable energy levelsirritabilitydifficulty with memory, learning, or problem-solvinganxietyfeelings of paniclow mooddifficulty maintaining relationshipscraving alcoholfeeling negative or having no enthusiasmtrouble sleepingfeeling more prone to stress Prevalence The Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior states that about 75% of people recovering from AUD experience PAWS. However, there is no information on how many people these symptoms specifically affect. If a person experiences symptoms of PAWS, they should not feel defeated. The experience of AUD recovery can vary significantly among individuals. There is no right or wrong way for a person to recover from AUD, so a person should not compare their recovery journey with that of other people. Is dry drunk syndrome a sign of relapse If a person has symptoms of PAWS, it does not mean that they are having a relapse. A relapse occurs when a person who has stopped drinking alcohol begins drinking again. However, having symptoms of PAWS, which can last for up to 2 years following alcohol withdrawal, can put a person at higher risk of relapsing. The symptoms of PAWS can come and go, which may cause a person to believe that they are not making progress. If a person does relapse, they should remember that relapse can be a normal part of recovery. A person in recovery should also try to focus on the progress that they have made so far. Relapse is something to regard as a temporary setback rather than a failure. How to cope A person may find it disheartening or frustrating to experience PAWS symptoms. However, they can use various methods to manage these symptoms, such as:practicing self-care, such as eating well, exercising, and avoiding trigger situationsreviewing the events that occurred before the PAWS symptoms flare-up and using them to prepare for another instancestarting a journal to keep track of feelings and experiencesconsidering seeking professional assistance, which could be from an AUD support group or a therapistspending a limited amount of time on tasks that are difficult to concentrate ontaking their mind off things by doing activities, such as meeting with a friend or going for a walkwriting reminders for certain tasks if they are experiencing memory issueslimiting caffeine and maintaining a good sleep routineremembering that these symptoms will eventually pass If a person is having difficulty with their PAWS symptoms, they should speak with a healthcare professional. A healthcare professional may be able to suggest certain coping methods or support groups that could be beneficial. They may also be able to prescribe medications, such as acamprosate (Campral), to help with the symptoms. A person can also find more information about local treatment centers by using sites such as findtreatment.gov. How to support a loved one experiencing these symptoms Going through AUD recovery can be a difficult process. A person who has PAWS may find it helpful to have the support of their loved ones. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, family and friends can help a person with a substance use disorder, including AUD, by:expressing concern and making their support evidentcreating a judgment-free and loving environment in which the person can speak openly and honestlyletting the person know about any relevant family history of substance use disordersbeing compassionatehelping the person find treatment servicesreminding them that people do recover from AUD and that it is possible for them to do sotaking time to recover and decompress so that they can be present for the person Summary Dry drunk syndrome is a term that AA developed. They used the term to refer to people who no longer drink alcohol but experience the same issues or behaviors as when they did. Many now consider dry drunk syndrome to be a stigmatizing term, as it can imply that a person is not putting in the effort necessary to recover. Instead, some people consider the symptoms to be part of PAWS. However, the DSM-5 does not recognize either of these terms. PAWS symptoms are reasonably common among people recovering from AUD. If a person has concerns about their PAWS symptoms, they can try using various methods to manage them. They can also speak with a healthcare professional, join a support group, or both. Last medically reviewed on May 24, 2022Mental HealthAlcohol / Addiction / Illegal DrugsPsychology / PsychiatryDrugs 6 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Helping a loved one dealing with mental and/or substance use disorders. (n.d.).https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/samhsa_families_family_support_guide_final508.pdfMelemis, S. M. (2015). Relapse prevention and the five rules of recovery.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4553654/Post-acute withdrawal syndrome. (2019).https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/articles/post-acute-withdrawal-syndromePost-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). (n.d.).https://www.semel.ucla.edu/dual-diagnosis-program/News_and_Resources/PAWSTreatment for alcohol problems: Finding and getting help. (2021).https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/treatment-alcohol-problems-finding-and-getting-helpUnderstanding alcohol use disorder. (2021).https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorderFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN — By Anna Smith on May 24, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageIs alcohol a gateway drug?Medically reviewed by Alyssa Peckham, PharmD, BCPP A gateway drug is a substance that increases a person's risk of trying other drugs. Find out if alcohol can be considered a gateway drug. READ MOREHow to cope with post acute withdrawal syndrome Post-acute withdrawal syndrome refers to symptoms that linger past or develop after the initial period of withdrawal. 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