[2] A dry drunk can be described as a person who refrains from alcohol or drugs, but still has all the unresolved emotional and psychological issues which might have fueled the addiction to begin with.
These unresolved issues continue to have a hold on their psyche and hence, while they do not seek intoxication, they exhibit many of the other behavioural traits associated with addiction.
Despite leaving alcohol and de-addicting themselves, most of their personalities are an embodiment of their previous selves.
During this phase of "dry drunk," the addicts face restlessness, frustration, anger, impatience and cravings.
The symptoms of dry drunkenness are irregular and in some individuals can be less intense while others remain unchanged as the period of sobriety increases.