Drunk Talk: Are People More Honest When Drunk?
They say “drunk words are sober thoughts.” But does science agree? The effects alcohol has on honesty are complex. 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.
Are “Drunk Words Sober Thoughts”?
They say the truth comes out when you’re drunk and that drunk words are sober thoughts. As it turns out, published research proves that statement is surprisingly accurate. When drinking alcohol, the tongue is freed up to say exactly what is in a person’s heart. As blood alcohol levels continue to climb and the effects of alcohol become more apparent, the responses become increasingly primitive and hostile. In the past, it’s been easy to blame drunk and disturbing behaviors on alcohol, but that’s not cutting it anymore. Simply put, researchers were able to show that alcohol consumption does not prevent self-control, it just makes people care less about the consequences.
A Peek Inside the Alcohol-Addicted Brain
Over thousands of years, the human brain has continually evolved and adapted. Under normal circumstances, the brain’s neocortex is responsible for evaluating circumstances and making sound decisions. In the presence of alcohol, however, this feature no longer functions properly. The resulting intoxication causes serious and often disturbing behavioral changes.
Researchers from the University of Missouri College of Arts and Sciences took 67 test subjects and divided them into three proportionate groups. The study participants were blindfolded and asked to drink one of three separate beverages: regular soft drinks, placebo beverages, or vodka-tonics.
After downing the designated beverages, participants were asked to complete error recognition tasks on a computer. Turns out drunk people know they’re making alcohol-induced mistakes, they just don’t care as much.
Do People Speak The Truth When Drunk?
Alcohol stifles reasoning skills and contemplating repercussions. As a result, people are more likely to tell the truth while intoxicated, offering up brutally honest, unfiltered opinions. And without the fear of consequences, alcohol can give people the courage to do or say things they ordinarily wouldn’t entertain.
Unexpected Help in the Form of Shame
One of the worst things about getting drunk is waking up the next morning with no memory of the night’s events. Instead, other people are forced to fill in the blanks and explain how hours of non-stop “brutal honesty” have likely damaged a few friendships beyond repair. Like it or not, people are held accountable for what they say…drunk or sober.
Though it’s hard to see, there is a silver lining in this scenario. For many alcohol-dependent people, an old-fashioned public meltdown is enough to create a “rock bottom.” The resulting humiliation can provide an extra push, encouraging people who need it to ask for help and seek professional alcohol treatment.
Finding Help for Alcohol Addiction
Not sure how to find help for alcohol addiction? You have options. American Addiction Centers is available 24/7 when you contact . We can hear your story and answer any treatment-related questions you have. It’s confidential and free, and there is no obligation to enter treatment.
Our admissions team can help you start your recovery with our rehab programs:
- Inpatient addiction treatment
- Outpatient drug and alcohol rehab
- Partial hospitalization programs
- Intensive outpatient programs
- And more
You can also use a free online tool, like the SAMHSA treatment locator or our rehabs directory, which allows you to search for a treatment facility by insurance accepted, locations, and services offered.