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Dry Drunk Syndrome

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dry drunk syndrome

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. What is Dry Drunk Syndrome? Alcoholism, much like other addictions, can be viewed as a symptom of coexisting mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Many people turn to substances like alcohol as a way of coping with existing psychological pain and uncomfortable emotions. Drinking, however, does not eradicate this psychological pain; it merely temporarily numbs it. Recovery doesn’t just entail staying sober; it includes addressing the psychological pain that brought the individual to alcoholism in the first place. Alcoholics Anonymous, the creators of the 12-step program, first coined the term dry drunk syndrome. R.J. Solberg defined the term in his book, The Dry Drunk Syndrome, as “the presence of actions and attitudes that characterized the alcoholic prior to recovery” (1993). What does it look like? People who experience dry drunk syndrome often quit alcohol on their own without the support of clinicians or …

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Celebrating National Autism Awareness Month 2023

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dry drunk syndrome

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. National Autism Awareness Month. National Autism Awareness Month spans the month of April with the purpose of spreading awareness, breaking the stigma, and providing support and hope to those who have or support someone with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism Awareness Week was first celebrated in the 1970s, later growing into the entire month of April.  About Autism. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) describes a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by challenges with “social communication and social interaction and restricted and repetitive patterns in behaviors, interests, and activities” (APA, 2021).  The term spectrum is used to highlight the wide variation in presentation, severity of symptoms, and experiences of those diagnosed with ASD. ASD is understood to occur across all ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic groups (CDC, 2020). ASD is four times more likely to be diagnosed in boys than girls and approximately 1 …

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What to Talk About in Therapy

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What to Talk About in Therapy

Medically reviewed by Mark Hrymoc MD If you’re considering therapy, you may be wondering what to talk about in therapy. Most therapists are good at helping you transition from one topic to the next. Because most people have lives that are busy and overloaded with obligations, you will likely find you have more issues to discuss in session than you have time. Sometimes, you aren’t sure what to discuss in therapy, and that’s okay. It happens. To reduce the times that this occurs, list various life topics, and refer to them before or during your session. When listing topics, you can choose broad and narrow issues to discuss. Also, don’t feel obligated to engage in deep conversations until you and your therapist have established a trusting relationship. In the first therapy session, your therapist will explain how therapy works and may ask questions to help them assess your mental health …

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The Helpful Benefits of Therapy for Addiction Treatment

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therapy for addiction treatment

Medically reviewed by Mark Hrymoc MD Are you struggling to maintain sobriety? If so, you may be interested in exploring the benefits of exploring therapy for addiction treatment. Addiction is a brain disorder for which a person has overwhelming urges to repeat specific actions, even though doing so leads to negative consequences personally, professionally, academically, or socially. Having an addiction means your brain has been altered by alcohol or drug misuse to the point that it cannot function appropriately. Your brain is convinced it needs substances to survive, which keeps you in the cycle of seeking, misusing, and recovering. Currently, over 21 million Americans have a substance use disorder. Unfortunately, less than 15% seek treatment. Therapy is one of the most effective forms of therapy for addiction treatment. What is Therapy for Addiction Treatment? Psychotherapy or therapy for addiction helps you stop misusing alcohol or drugs. It teaches you how …

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7 Questions to Ask a Potential Therapist

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questions to ask a potential therapist

Medically reviewed by Mark Hrymoc MD If you’re considering therapy, you may be wondering which questions to ask a potential therapist. The American Psychological Association surveyed therapists; most reported more clients seeking treatment today than ever. These increases put more demands on therapists, with four out of ten reporting they cannot meet all their clients’ needs. Issues like lack of specialty training, technology, and available hours are vital issues they face, points you should be aware of before choosing a therapist. There are numerous other answers you need to choose a treatment provider. To help, create a list of questions to ask them during the interview process. Essentially, you are hiring a professional to provide the services you need.  This article will share some questions to ask a potential therapist. Questions to Ask a Potential Therapist Knowing which questions to ask a potential therapist before starting treatment as a client …

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