2006-08-03 12:33:28 · 4 answers · asked by oaksterdamhippiechick 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It depends on the context in which the phrase is used.
If used by someone that is actively involved in AA to reference their-selves, it may be used as an excuse for inappropriate behavior. As in: "I knew I shouldn't have robbed that bank but I have been on a dry drunk and these defects of character of mine are winning."
It may also be used in a derogatory manner to describe someone that isn't working the 12 steps and a program of recovery. If someone quits drinking without use of AA (which the great majority do, AA's success rate is around 5 percent) then they are either not an alcoholic or they are on a dry drunk. After all, if they do not follow the 12 step religion of AA, how can they possibly stop drinking and be happy?
2006-08-03 14:45:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
There is no such thing as a dry drunk. Just like there is no such thing as an alcoholic personality that EVERYONE who is an alcoholic has. People are different and individuals, despite what AA would have you believe. It is just a way to make the AA non-meeting attender to feel guilty. Alcoholism is not a spiritual malady. The way to recover is to quit drinking. Period. The rest is just the mumbo jumbo of AA they would like you to believe. Come on! It is the 21st century. Surely we can do better than this.
2006-08-03 23:03:10 · answer #2 · answered by misty 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a phrase used to describe the personality characteristics of alcoholics who have stopped drinking but many of whom continue to be narcissistic, blaming, irresponsible, and often abusive. The phrase, frequently used among the Alcoholics Anonymous community and those who work with alcoholics, suggests that those who have simply stopped drinking and have not dealt with either (A) the issues that they were numbing away with the booze or (B) the harm caused by years of alcohol abuse, that these people are not fully in recovery. They are encouraged to pursue the entire 12-steps of A.A., which includes looking at their actions and the people they harm.
Alcoholism is often called a psycho-socio-biological illness. It's a complex phenomenon, and for some reason, A.A. has the best track record for helping people recover.
2006-08-03 19:43:25 · answer #3 · answered by NHBaritone 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like many terms in the recovery lexicon, it is a term made up by the unqualified, to describe the nonexistent. One might as well ask what is serenity, sobriety, spirituality etc. Terms like these serve the dual purpose of confusing 12 step newcomers, and placing old timers in a swami like position when they see fit to explain it to the rest of us in the cheap seats.
2006-08-04 09:17:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋