Dry Drunk Or Living Sober

Being a “dry drunk” is a term used to describe a person whose actions and attitude are pretty much the same as they were when they were drinking. Without a substance to medicate the pain, they still hurt. When a person just stops drinking or drugging and does not address the underlying issues, they may easily find themselves in situations where they are prone to relapse.  For example, if a person has a problem dealing with anger or rejection then any new relationship will suffer and perhaps end because of tension in the relationship, and that could cause the person to pick up again. 

Some telltale signs of being a dry drunk include: being rigid; being angry, resentful, or sarcastic; having extreme mood swings; being full of self-pity and blaming; believing nothing is ever good enough; and a general sense of boredom and dissatisfaction with life.

Jesus wants to heal us and set us free from living as a dry drunk. Accepting His mercy and forgiveness for our offences will bring healing and restore us to new life.  

When we have been forgiven for our wrongs, we can then forgive others for their wrongs against us. It’s only in the strength of God’s love and acceptance of us that we can do the hard work of exposing our character defects so that God can remove them.  Only then can we truly live in a new way.

Prayer:  Loving God, I know that You are displeased when I live as a dry drunk and don't bother to deal with my character defects.  I don't want to live that way any longer.  I give myself and all my hurts and resentments to You and ask that You bring healing to my wounds.  Change my heart and help me to live my life according to Your principles.  Amen.

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