Why do some generally nice people turn mean when they consume alcohol?

Question

The person in question is a happy-go-lucky drunk but when he gets to a certain level of drunkeness he instantly snaps and turns into a cruel person, why? Someone told me that this is their true nature exposing itself when their guard is down?

Answer 1

my mom was married to an alcoholic for 15 yrs (before i was born and not my father) and something she told me has always stuck in my mind. my numerous binges and experiences in the past only correlate with this saying.

"A drunk mans words, are a sober mans thoughts"

for me these words are gold cause this is exactly true for me =P

Answer 2

I don't believe that a drunk person is "exposing their true selves" at all. Alcohol is a depressant and it makes people say and do things that they would otherwise not even think of saying or doing......especially when they are that drunk. I used to be the nice guy, life of the party too, until I had that one too many and then I turned mean and wanted to fight. That's why I haven't drank in about 10 years now. Believe me, the drunk, volatile person I became was not the "real me". Alcohol does strange things to people when they over do it.

Answer 3

As you get drunk, alcohol impairs your judgment and logical capacity. When a normally nice person becomes an angry drunk, it isn't necessarily that they are secretly a mean person, they may just be perceiving things poorly. Maybe something that was a joke seems like an insult because they can't recognize the humor. Maybe something like their drink getting knocked over would have seemed annoying before, but now it's a tragedy. I wouldn't read too much into it, unless this happens so often that alcoholism is a problem.

Answer 4

its called being a mean drunk. Its also a sign that they may have alcoholism in their future. Everyone changes a little when drinking. Most, become flirty, outgoing, and let down some of their inhibitions. They usually laugh at more things and that is why people like to drink, cuz its fun. For some though, they change, become mean or even aggresive. These kinda people u want to avoid, cuz it wont change.....most likely get worse. He may have some issues or whatever, but thats standard behavior for a mean drunk. Be careful

Answer 5

Good question.


I am not at all convinced that it means that the person Is mean deep down, but the simple truth is, that they are going to behave that way when they get that drunk. do you want to be around such a person - hoping that they won't get that drunk this time?

Answer 6

Alcohol lowers a person's inhibitions so that their true feelings can emerge. If they have a lot of pent up anger, they will feel more at ease with expressing it. When they are sober, they will most likely try to keep a tight lid on it and repress such feelings.

Answer 7

I'm the opposite.. I'm a jerk and turn happy-go-lucky when I drink.

Maybe drinking brings out that side that you hide from others. I'm a jerk because I don't want to look weak. When I drink I don't worry about it as much and become more friendly.

You friend is probably a jerk and comes off as happy-go-lucky to make people like and accept them.

Answer 8

Alcohol is TOXIC in large quantities. A little 'nip' occasionally is medicinal. To continue imbibing after one feels relaxed is asking for a adverse reaction, which usually alters ones mood towards the negative reaction of being poisoned.

Answer 9

Alclohol sometimes posseses the body it's in if too much of it is consumed, the brain reacts to it in different doses.people dont try to react, but usually they do. hope that clears up some stuff

Answer 10

I am the same way and this is not tru. I am very nice just very violent if drunk.