Expert: james52144@earthlink.net - 3/7/2010

Question
What are the signs of a dry drunk?  I too know someone who has long term sobriety, but doesn't seem very humble.  If someone has been at AA for a long time, very regularly, can they still be a dry drunk...maybe they are just a self centered person and always will be?  Is AA really that good, or might it do some harm to some personalities by validating them?

Answer
Hi Susan

You have asked some very deep and penetrating questions, and the only way I can answer them is to say that if someone is truly spiritually centered and following the program they are understanding and compassionate people. I try not to judge people anymore, but I would say that the people that I would call dry drunks were also the people who I called "AA Nazis". In other words, they were rigid, condescending and holier than thou. They elevated AA to a religion and if someone didn't agree with them, then fear would arise. Sobriety is a personal journey and a narrow path. Good luck.