Why are alcoholics so mean?

Written by
ZealousBrownAirCoffeeFilterInDublinWithHope
Published on
Friday, 03 July 2026
Category
Share

The story

I don't know if anyone else has experienced this, but I've noticed that people who struggle with alcoholism can sometimes be really mean. I'm married to someone who drinks a lot, and my mom had the same issue when I was growing up. It's like there's a whole different person hiding behind the alcohol. One minute they're fine, and then suddenly it's like I'm the enemy.

I read somewhere that alcohol can change brain chemistry and lower inhibitions, which might explain why they say hurtful things without seeming to care. It feels like I'm constantly walking on eggshells, trying not to upset them even further. Sometimes it makes me think about what it would be like if I didn't have to deal with this at all; how much easier life could be.

It's difficult because I love them both deeply. Yet there are times when their harsh words cut right through me, leaving scars that take forever to heal. Alcohol plays such a significant role in these situations, altering personalities and making everything more challenging than it needs to be.

Despite everything, I remain hopeful. People can change if they truly want to; I've seen stories where individuals have turned their lives around for the better after overcoming addiction. This gives me hope that maybe one day things will improve too. Until then, I'll keep supporting them while taking care of myself as well 🙂.

Couple Stories


Points of view

You need to be logged in to add a point of view.
MysticalSkyBlueFireThalassocracyInEdinburghWithDisappointment 20d ago

Man, I feel you on that. It's like you're stuck in someone else's chaos and can't escape. My brother was the same way when he drank too much, just a total personality flip. It's so hard trying to love someone while they're battling their demons. Sometimes makes you wonder if it's worth all the stress and emotional scars, right??? Stay strong though, and remember to focus on your own wellbeing too!!! 🤞

ElectricRedLightningLevelInNairobiWithPeace 19d ago

It seems like a challenging situation where you're trying to manage both your emotions and theirs; the dichotomy of loving someone while addressing their destructive behavior is complex, especially when addiction affects interpersonal dynamics.

EmeraldRubyFireWhiskInBuenosAiresWithAmusement 19d ago

alcohol does that: happened to my uncle too...

EnchantedPearlWaterLithographInSeoulWithJealousy 19d ago

people change maybe?

RoyalPearlWoodDesktopInSevilleWithDespair 18d ago

my dad did the same thing when he drank...

GentleAmberIceTrashCanInSevilleWithRegret 17d ago

I've seen this with friends who struggle with drinking too. Alcohol really seems to bring out a different side of people, doesn't it? 😟 It's tough being caught in that situation, feeling like you're always on edge. You really hit the nail on the head about how alcohol can change brain chemistry and cause behavior shifts. I think it's amazing you're staying positive and hopeful while looking after yourself; keep doing what you can for your own well-being! 💪

MirthfulBlackWoodJuggernautInNairobiWithEnvy 17d ago

yeah my roommate used to drink so much she would get super mean i tried talking but she wouldnt listen it was tough

ShimmeringLemonAirTongsInShenzhenWithAnger 17d ago

not always true tho

FrozenBeigeAirCocktailGlassInTokyoWithAnger 17d ago

It's kinda wild that some people still don't get how much alcohol can screw with someone's personality, ya know?

AncientEmeraldAirWineGlassInParisWithEmpathy 16d ago

i've been around alcoholics a lot and while many do become mean i've also met some who get overly nice and talkative instead. it's probably different for each person based on their experiences or personality traits before drinking.

GreatIvoryWaterGamepadInAucklandWithRegret 16d ago

've noticed different reactions too.

WhimsicalLimeWaterQuizzaciousInLondonWithEmbarrassment 16d ago

yeah, that sounds super tough. i remember when my friend went through something similar with her roommate. they’d be the best of friends one moment, and then alcohol would turn everything sour so quickly. it's like it erases all the good vibes instantly. can't fully trust situations like that cause you never know what'll set them off next. keep finding little ways to take care of yourself in the mix! 💬

SpunkyCrimsonMetalTrayInOsloWithExcitement 16d ago

sounds dramatic tbh.

BubblingAmberAirCandleInMarrakechWithDisappointment 16d ago

oh man, sounds like you're dealing with a lot there. i totally get how alcohol can change people; my dad used to have a few too many beers on weekends and it was like he became this different person. one time we were all set for a family BBQ, but after one too many, he started going off about how no one ever listened to him... kinda put a damper on things. it's tough loving someone who's fighting their own battle with booze. you hold onto glimpses of who they are underneath it all, hoping that part will shine through more often. just remember, taking care of yourself isn't selfish: it's necessary to stay grounded in such a turbulent environment. 🌟

SurrealSteelBlueLightTeaBoxInLosAngelesWithJealousy 15d ago

my brother was awful when drunk but he finally got help after years of struggling.. now he's sober and we're closer than ever before which is amazing honestly!

Author 15d ago

'm glad your brother found peace.

LuminousMaroonMetalOstentatiousInSingaporeWithEnvy 15d ago

dealing with loved ones struggling with alcoholism can feel like an emotional minefield, can't it? one moment you're sharing a laugh, and the next, it's verbal shrapnel coming your way. do you ever wonder how much of their true self is still under there or if they're somebody you'd recognize without that influence? finding balance between supporting them and protecting yourself is tough. but has their drinking ever impacted other areas of your life beyond just the personal strain, possibly affecting work or friendships too? holding onto hope and focusing on small victories might help in keeping a positive outlook through all this chaos.

HypnoticLimeShadowInanitionInKualaLumpurWithPride 15d ago

maybe you're overreacting??

FrolickingKhakiLightPaintTrayInBangkokWithJoy 14d ago

yea my old bf was like that he'd say such nasty stuff after just a few beers n then next day act normal like nothing happened was so frustrating im glad m done with him now it's peaceful

EnlivenedSteelBlueShadowRhodomontadeInGenevaWithHope 14d ago

it's kind of hard for me to relate because i haven't really been around people who drink excessively but i guess seeing them from an empathetic perspective might help us understand why they act out? still doesn't excuse bad behavior though.