In an attempt to explain these hypoglycaemic symptoms as a psychological phenomenon, mental-health professionals have developed an elaborate concept called the dry-drunk syndrome. This has been defined by M. Wellman, Ph.D., as a composite of "late withdrawal symptoms that include irritability, depression, insomnia, fatigue, restlessness, a sense of aloneness and distractibility." This exponent of the dry-drunk theory has noted "a severe case mimics the physical signs of drunkenness." Abstinent alcoholics suffering from these symptoms have been advised to combat them by attending AA meetings, contacting AA members, and engaging in activities that keep their thoughts away from alcohol. Prayer and psychiatric help have also been recommended.
A Hazelden Foundation publication on the subject characterises typical dry-drunk alcoholic as grandiose, judgmental, impulsive, childish, easily distracted, and disorganized.
Another researcher, E. M. Jellinek, Ph.D., defines the dry-drunk syndrome as a manifestation of late withdrawal symptoms, which he views as "indications of insufficient adaptation on the symbolic level to an alcohol-free life."
These highfalutin psychological explanations ignore the fact that the symptoms are caused by a physical condition -hypoglycemia- which causes severe metabolic changes that alter moods, thought, and behavior. Take a look at the list below, compiled by Mark Worden from his 1980 article in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. It compares commonly reported dry-drunk symptoms to those known to be caused by hypoglycemia.
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