How to cope with a Dry Drunk

How to cope with a dry drunk is an important issue for people who are addicted to alcoholic beverages. Dry drunk is the term used to describe those who have consumed a significant quantity of alcohol in a very short span of time. Dry drunks can be described as someone who has just had one drink, but not so many that their body gets adjusted to the substance. They will still crave alcoholic drinks to feel normal.

People who are dry drunk can face serious problems at home and at work. If you are involved in the relationship of a dry drunk, there are two problems you will face: the dry drunk will not know when to stop drinking and he/she will risk your life by driving while under the influence. A dry drunk has the same risks as a drinker who has just one or two alcoholic drinks and is already dependent on the substance. The consequences for the dry drunk are just as bad as the effects for a drinker.

The first step towards alcohol addiction treatment is to admit you. Tell yourself that you do have a problem. You need to talk to your friends or your loved ones about the situation. Do not keep it within your own self-discipline, because if you do, you might end up going back to drinking. It is okay to seek help from a professional, such as a counselor, but do not self-medicate because you will only make the problem worse.

Second step is to ask for help. Go to the nearest hospital, a rehabilitation center, or Alcoholics Anonymous to get professional help. You will find that your family and friends are also very willing to offer you the best advice on how to deal with a dry drunk. You may find that they can provide you with sober living programs and AA groups that can help you cope with alcohol addiction.

Third step in learning how to cope with a dry drunk is by avoiding him. If you find him alone, try to find where he goes for a drink. Know where he goes to school or work. Know his complete address. This may be difficult if you live in a different town but this way you can inform the police about your situation so they can do their part to apprehend him.

Fourth step on how to cope with a dry drunk is by understanding the difference between alcohol consumption and abuse. A dry drunk is not necessarily an alcoholic. He may just want to stop taking the alcoholic drinks to avoid the withdrawal symptoms. If he is just taking small amounts of alcoholic drinks, limit your involvement to watching him carefully so you will not accidentally give him more alcoholic drinks.

Fifth step on how to cope with a dry drunk is by having a plan. Find out what your next plan will be when he tells you he wants to quit. If he wants to go to a rehabilitation center, make sure you are ready to join him there. Alcohol addiction is a physical need that needs a great amount of determination to be fulfilled. If he really wants to quit, then change his mind.

Sixth step on how to cope with a dry drunk is being prepared. Do not expect him to suddenly stop his alcohol drinking if you have been trying to help him get rid of it. Give him time to think about what he wants to do when he realizes he is an alcoholic. Alcohol addiction treatment cannot happen overnight. It's a gradual process and the closer you get to quit the alcohol, the easier it will be.