When you quit drinking, you may experience sudden changes in emotions and even depression as your body adjusts to sobriety. However, depression after quitting drinking is only temporary. You shouldn’t let depression alter your pursuit of peace and contentment in early recovery. After all, enjoying your life sober is how your brain adapts to normal functioning again and starts producing more of your natural feel-good chemicals.
At Memphis Recovery Centers, our team provides resources and support for symptoms of depression after quitting drinking. If you are experiencing this kind of depression, the key point to remember is that you can feel better with the right level of care. Our Memphis Recovery Centers team ensures that you are equipped with skills and strategies to get you through the toughest times of recovery.
What Is “Dry Drunk” Syndrome?
The term “dry drunk” is not a legitimate diagnosis. However, when you suffer depression and other negative emotions after newly-achieved sobriety, you hear people using this term. So what does this mean to be “dry drunk?”
“Dry drunk” refers to the mixed emotions you may experience in the early days and stages in treatment. Examples of these emotions include:
- Emotional outbursts
- Anger
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Self-pity
- Inability to cope
You may still experience denial about your treatable symptoms and a negative attitude in your daily life. Some people cover this insecurity of early recovery by trying to act self-assured or even flaunting their sobriety in grandiosity.
Therapists do not like the term “dry drunk” because it discounts your hard work in treatment. To get past this negativity, seek additional support or help through your treatment program.
Talk to your medical care provider about your depression and recent negative feelings. Never look down on yourself for needing additional treatment, as you worked so hard to get where you are. You are a human with very human needs. You can get through your depression after quitting drinking. Asking your rehab center for a depression treatment program is an excellent way to start.
Ways to Seek Help after Rehab Treatment Ends
After your rehab treatment program ends, you will need additional support. You may not need it for a while. However, when you do, you must maintain the strength and insight to ask for help. Places to look for additional help and support include:
- AA or other community support groups
- Treatment alumni or aftercare programs
- New hobbies or recreational activities
- Therapy in your community
- Trusted friends and family
- Sober peers
Preparing for Your New Life After Quitting Drinking
The best means of preventing problems like depression after quitting drinking and knowing how to handle these issues when they arise comes through rehab treatment. Your treatment program provides the therapies and other services you need to learn how to stay on top of your sobriety. When in rehab, concentrate on building quality coping skills for relapse prevention. These therapies and services include:
- Multiple levels of care
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Art and music therapy
- Holistic methods
- Trauma therapy
Receive Support for Depression After Quitting Drinking
Depression is common for many people after they quit drinking. It is important for people who are battling depression after giving up drinking to remember that this depression is temporary. Also, with learning and proper treatment, symptoms of depression can be eased or even eliminated.
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression after quitting drinking, we can help. Memphis Recovery Centers provides the highest quality care for people both during and after addiction treatment. Reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable team today by calling 866.304.8254. You don’t have to fight this battle by yourself. Let our Memphis Recovery Centers team become part of your team today.
Originally posted: https://www.memphisrecovery.com/