Aug. 1, 2006— -- In his post-arrest statement, Oscar-winning actor Mel Gibson says that he said "things that I do not believe to be true."
The old adage, however, says that "a drunken man's words are a sober man's thoughts."
While being placed under arrest on suspicion of drunken driving by Malibu Sheriff's Deputy James Mee, Gibson allegedly made anti-Semitic statements.
"That stuff is booze talking," Mee said. "It amplifies your basic personality. … If you are a high-strung person, it's going to amplify that, and all the bad things are going to come out."
There is no doubt that a person under the influence of alchohol can behave quite differently than he would when sober, said Clinical Director of Addiction Recovery Services at Mount Sinai Medical Center, Dr. Harris Stratyner.
"The person you know is very different than the person you see when they're drinking you might be quicker to say what you're thinking, now you might also be reacting to something in your life and be angry about something and you don't really mean it but you blurt it out," Stratyner said. "Alcoholics don't think before they speak, whatever's on their lungs is on their tongues," Stratyner said.
Gibson has long struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction.
In 2004, he told ABC News' Diane Sawyer that he had considered jumping out a window to escape his problems.
He also has been dogged by accusations of anti-Semitism. His 2004 movie about the death of Jesus, "The Passion of the Christ," received criticism by some who said that it portrayed Jews as Jesus' killers.
Although Gibson issued a statement in which he acknowledged saying "despicable" things, many wonder whether Gibson was really speaking his mind.
Belisa Vranich, a clinical psychologist who specializes in alcohol addiction, said that in many cases alcohol doesn't actually speak for the drunken person, but gives the person the confidence to say things he normally wouldn't.
Alcohol affects the top of the brain known as the cerebral cortex, which is what makes a person more likely to act and speak in ways he or she may not when sober, Vranich said.
This can lead to something innocent, like being more funny or more quiet, or it can lead to aggressive behavior and a loss of sexual discretion.
"There's usually some version of one's true feelings that come out when one is drunk," Vranich said.
"People dredge up feelings and sentiments from somewhere deep in their brains, so what one says or does certainly reflects what's going on deep down. There's a lot of truth to that ancient Latin saying, 'in vino, veritas.' Alcohol can most definitely act as a truth serum -- something that allows people to say what is truly on their mind."
FAQs
While alcohol can lower a person's inhibitions, it doesn't necessarily make them more truthful. Alcohol can make speaking their mind freely easier, but it can also compromise the accuracy of their statements by impairing judgment.
Do guys tell the truth when drunk? ›
Alcohol impacts the brain in a lot of ways. None of them necessarily increase the veracity of what someone says. However, a person is more likely to simply say whatever comes to mind when drunk, which means there is a significant likelihood of hearing truths you wouldn't otherwise hear.
Do guys mean what they say when they're drunk? ›
Does he mean what he says when he's drinking? Alcohol, especially in large amounts, lowers people's inhibitions and clouds their judgment. Sometimes people say things that are true they might not say sober. But just as often, people lie or stretch the truth when drinking in ways they would not do when sober.
Are drunk words sober thoughts true? ›
Is there any truth to the saying “drunk words are sober thoughts”? While there is some truth to the saying, it is not an absolute rule. Alcohol can lower inhibitions and impair judgment, which may lead to people expressing thoughts or feelings that they would typically keep to themselves.
Are drunk texts real thoughts? ›
Therefore, even though drunk words are sober thoughts when it comes to people that socially drink or suffer from mild drinking problems, when it comes to people with alcohol addictions, you shouldn't assume that their drunken words are sober thoughts.
What is the drunk truth saying? ›
In vino veritas is a Latin phrase that means 'in wine, there is truth', suggesting a person under the influence of alcohol is more likely to speak their hidden thoughts and desires.
When a guy is drunk and says I love you? ›
The best thing you can do is ask him about it and move forward based on honest, sober interactions. If he doesn't remember or claims not to remember, let him know what he said and ask him to clarify now that he is sober.
Why do guys message you when drunk? ›
Originally Answered: What does it mean when a guy drunk texts you? It depends on what he texts you about, their level of kindness, politeness, humor, emotional level. It could mean: He is interested in you and may say things that he is too afraid to do when he is sober.
Why would a guy drunk calls you? ›
They found that people drunk dialed for 5 primary reasons: Entertainment (to entertain themselves or someone else) Social lubricant (person felt more confident and less accountable for their actions) Confession of emotion (to tell the person they loved them or missed them)
When he gets drunk he gets mean? ›
Drinking alcohol can make us act in ways we wouldn't normally, including being angry or aggressive. Experts believe the reason some people become aggressive when drunk is due to the way alcohol affects the brain.
Alcohol can amplify your emotions, making you more sensitive or reactive to certain situations or triggers. This can make you express your feelings in an unfiltered and hurtful manner as your emotional sensitivity is increased. Many people also drink alcohol as a release from stress. They use it as a form of escapism.
What is the psychology behind drunk calling? ›
In summary, drunk dialing and texting occur when alcohol lowers inhibitions, leading to impulsive and often regrettable communication. While alcohol may temporarily boost confidence, it can also amplify emotions and lead to inappropriate behaviour.
Is aphasia from alcohol? ›
Aphasia can also be caused by substance abuse, either short-term (with drink or drugs temporarily affecting the parts of the brain related to language) or long-term (with actual damage to the brain caused by the repeated consumption of high quantities of a given substance or substances.
Do people regret drunk texts? ›
In the case of a drunk text, feelings of embarrassment, anxiety, regret, or confusion are natural. They indicate our recognition of a potential misstep, an action not entirely aligned with our regular self.
Are drunk texts meaningful? ›
Drunk texting can be a strange and mysterious thing, but when you boil it down, it's really just a form of social bonding. Whether you're sending an “I miss you” to an old friend or a “let's be besties” to a stranger, you're just trying to connect with someone, somewhere.
Should I ignore drunk texts? ›
Don't respond and wait for the morning if this isn't a good look. Most drunk texts are coming your way after a reasonable person would be in bed. If you don't know what to say, or you kind of don't want to engage with them right now, just leave them on read.
What does it mean when a guy only talks to you when he's drunk? ›
Fundamentally people act out on their inhibitions when drunk that could mean he really likes you and is nervous/shy. Or incapable of communicating sober for many reasons. Or just looking to hook up and can't come to express himself bluntly.
Does he miss you if he drunk dials you? ›
He drunk-dials you.
You get those late-night calls and you can tell he's not completely sober—maybe he's slurring his words or sounds like he's been crying. Alcohol can make people feel more lonely and also lower their inhibitions, so if he's missing you he's more likely to reach out at these times.
Do drunk people know they are drunk? ›
In a study that will shock precisely no one, research has determined that people who are drunk do not realize they are drunk while they are, you know… drunk.
Does the truth always come out? ›
The saying that "the truth always comes out" is a powerful reminder of the principles of justice and fairness. It implies that all wrongdoings or lies, no matter how well-hidden, will eventually come to light, prompting accountability and reckoning.
