Behavior of the Alcoholic Under the Influence

From what I have learned, alcoholics have different reactions to alcohol - meaning some just pass out, some get violent, some cheat, some steal, etc. So my question is, where do these behaviors come from?

An alcoholic will almost always say "Oh that person who is violent is not ME, it is the alcohol." So where does this alcohol-person come from and why does it manifest itself in the same way each time?

Answer

Trying to explain the workings of the unconscious mind is almost impossible. But I think a person who behaves in a certain way when drunk/under the influence of alcohol, is likely pre-disposed to acting that way anyway when sober.

So someone with anger issues might manifest violence when drunk for example. But obviously when sober people obviously suppress or control these 'issues' better than when drunk (though not always).

But alcohol doesn't bring out something that isn't already there I don't believe. Why will one person maintain their fidelity even when heavily under the influence of alcohol - while another becomes a serial cheater?

Each of our minds are complex make up of beliefs, value systems etc. most of which were formed unconsciously over the course of our life times, especially in our early years. These then influence how we behave and relate to the world ... and alcohol will often bring the murkier stuff buried deeply in our unconscious to the surface ... hence the various manifestations you speak of.

Interesting question, thank you. Wonder what other people think?