Is This Really Healing… or Just Behavior Management? The Dry Drunk Parallel in Covert Narcissistic Abuse

The Covert Narcissism Podcast

When the yelling stops, the lies fade, and the manipulative games come to a halt… does it mean they are getting better?

In this episode, we explore the confusing and disorienting experience of living with someone who has changed their behaviors, but hasn’t done the real emotional work underneath.

Drawing a parallel with the concept of a "dry drunk," we’ll unpack why behavior management without inner healing leaves survivors of covert narcissistic abuse still feeling unsafe, unseen, and emotionally alone.

We’ll dive into:

• What a “dry drunk” actually is

• The emotional wounds that fuel both addiction and narcissistic behaviors

• Why things sometimes feel worse after the behavior stops

• The difference between true healing and surface-level change

• How to trust your gut when something still feels off

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “I should be happy… but I’m not”—this episode is for you.