“Alcohol is truth serum.”
“Alcohol is a revealer, not a creator of human behavior.””Alcohol is truth serum.â€
So said countless pundits in a sentiment echoed across the country when discussing Mel Gibson’s “true”feelings about Jews. Yet, none of these talking heads grasp a fundamental truism of alcoholism: due to brain damage, it interferes with the seat of reason and logic, resulting in behavioral changes that mimic those of Jekyll and Hyde. Alcoholism causes egomania, which requires that the addict attempt to wield power in whatever way circumstances and environment allow. This sometimes takes form in hatred and bigotry.
Myth # 65 in “Alcoholism Myths and Realities: Removing the Stigma of Society’s Most Destructive Disease” is, “He’s no alcoholic; he’s just a racist.”This myth, since Mr. Gibson is a known alcoholic, might be restated, “He’s an alcoholic and a racist.”Yet, it is no coincidence that those who exhibit and act on their hatred can usually be identified as addicts. Just as other misbehaviors clear up in sobriety, so does bigotry, racism and other forms of malevolence. As mentioned in “Drunks, Drugs & Debits,” Black Panther leader Eldridge Cleaver and former Gov. George Wallace, both bigots while they drank, died sober and contrite. The correct statement for those with such feelings and attitudes while still drinking or using is, “His alcoholism took form in bigotry and racism.”
I elaborated in myth # 63, “His real personality comes out when he drinks.””The real personality of the alcoholic eventually emerges well after his last drink, usually five or ten years later. The personality manifesting during a period of active alcoholism is a toxic one and is as opposite of ‘real’ as we’ll ever see.”We’ll know Mr. Gibson’s true feelings only in the fullness of time. In the meantime, even while subjected to all the consequences society can impose, he should, like other alcoholics, be given the benefit of the doubt: alcoholism, a biochemical disorder that results in brain damage in some as a result of drinking alcohol, caused his misbehavior. Gibson’s alcoholism took form in religious hatred. I’ll repeat my bet from the Top Story: after a period of sobriety he’ll pay huge amends for his vile comments and terrible behavior.