The term dry drunk, first introduced in R.J. Solberg’s 1970s book The Dry Drunk Syndrome, describes a person who has stopped drinking alcohol but continues to display behavioural or emotional patterns associated with their alcohol use disorder before recovery.
Commonly used in some peer support and recovery communities, the term refers to individuals who, despite abstinence, may still experience anger, fear, resentment, or emotional instability, or show limited personal growth in their recovery journey.
Because of its stigmatising tone, it is recommended to use nonjudgmental and person-centred language, such as “an individual in recovery experiencing emotional or behavioural challenges”.
Sources: Recovery Research Institute