Allan Schwartz, LCSW, Ph.D. was in private practice for more than thirty years. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states ...Read More
Alcohol and Personality Changes?
My husband is mean and verbally abusive to me when he drinks. Insults belittling and very hurtful things come out of his mouth. I actually am so appalled that I freeze while his bitter insults act like knives that are stabbing me. He uses sadness and losses in my life as weapons against me. He tells me how he was so much happier before he met me and that I am a terrible mother and that everyone thinks that I am not good enough for him. Are these his true feelings that are coming out when he drinks?
It is important to state that individuals react differently to alcohol. There are people who become “happy drunks.” They are people whose aggression is not released when they are drinking, even if they may become more outgoing. The way a person reacts to alcohol seems to depend on such things as their genetics, constitution, neurological system, and many other imponderable factors. In contrast to those who are the happy drunks are those who become rageful when they are drinking. How quickly they become rageful also varies according to the same variable factors mentioned above. For some, rage can begin after one drink while for others, it may take many drinks. For those who experience this release of aggression after drinking the speed of the onset of their belligerence may depend on their recent mood and stress level.
In the recent months, we have received plenty of questions and comments about alcohol abuse. All of the posts mention feelings of shock about the way the writers have been treated by their spouse or significant other when they have been drinking. In many of the cases, writers ask if it is true that alcohol consumption can cause personality changes and if the rageful comments made by the inebriated individual can be true.
Among the major symptoms that a person may be addicted to alcohol or suffering from alcoholism are:
These symptoms are often accompanied by not only denial but downright anger if someone, a wife, mother, friend, point out that they have a drinking problem or should stop or go for help. The angry denial is interesting because those doing the “pointing out or advising” mean well and are not trying to be insulting. The average person might react by admitting they are drinking too much and will reduce or stop the drinking, but without getting angry because they do not feel a need to be annoyed. The heavy drinker, seemingly unaware of what is happening, become furious, resentful and enraged.
These are only a few of the symptoms that a person may have a problem with drinking. A few other symptoms are:
When an alcoholic spouse is inebriated, it can be both emotionally and physically overwhelming. Alcoholism is a serious illness, and it’s essential to remember that even when your partner is acting out in anger or aggression. It can be difficult to handle a situation like this, but with patience, understanding, and help from professionals, you can learn how to deal with an angry drunk spouse.
The first step in dealing with alcohol abuse is to stay calm and avoid any kind of physical confrontation. No matter how angry or frustrated you may be, it’s never okay to respond to aggression with violence or threats. It’s also important to remember that your spouse is in the grip of a serious illness, and it’s not their fault that they are behaving the way they are.
Alcohol addiction is a medical condition, and professional help should be sought to address the underlying issues. Your spouse may need addiction treatment, therapy for any emotional or mental health problems, and support from family and friends. The right combination of treatments can help your partner manage their drinking problem and learn how to cope with their emotions without resorting to alcohol.
It’s also important to remember that it’s not your job to “fix” your spouse. You can be supportive and offer understanding, but ultimately, the decision to seek help is up to them. If they are unwilling or unable to get help, it may be necessary for you to seek support from family and friends, or professional counseling (online therapy can be a great option).
Remember that alcoholism is a lifelong battle, and it’s important to have realistic expectations. Recovery will take time and effort and may be accompanied by setbacks along the way. It’s important to be patient with your spouse as they work towards sobriety, while also taking care of yourself. There are many resources available to help you cope with the situation, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
One of the most dangerous factors involved in drinking, besides the well-known one about the dangers of drinking and driving, is mixing alcohol consumption with medications.
For example, it can be dangerous to use benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, etc) with alcohol. The reason is that all of these, including alcohol, are central nervous system depressants. As such, they can suppress breathing and cause death. If a person is abusing benzodiazepines and alcohol, there is an even more acute danger of death.
Just to add one more note about medications and alcohol, mixing the use of anti-depressants and alcohol leads to, according to what I have been told by psychiatrists and patients, a much quicker inebriation. Whatever the scientific explanation might be, once you are taking anti-depressants, one drink has the impact of two, and so on, up the line.
In my opinion, things said by a drunk while they are drunk, should not be taken seriously.
If you suspect or even question if you have a drinking problem it is important to go for help. Among the types of help available are: Alcoholics Anonymous, Rational Recovery, Detox and additional treatment programs and now there is even medication that, after recovery, can remove the impulse or craving to drink.
What are your comments about this important issue?
Allan N. Schwartz, PhD
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