Expert: Rebos - 5/13/2006

Question
I don't drink myself and have never spent much time around people while they were drinking. However, I was told that a relative of mine, while drunk, accused me of something which I did not do. I had heard that people are more likely to tell the truth while drunk, but is it also possible that they can make themselves believe things that are not true?

Thanks for your help.

Answer
Good morning Mary:

Thank you for your question, however while it is somewhat beyond my knowledge except in an anectdotal way I will make some suggestions for you to consider.

First let me state that I have experienced my answer to you go either way. Sometimes a liar is a liar when they are drunk or sober, and sometimes a person gets courage to say what they would normally not have the courage to say when they are sober. But remember that you are talking about a person that was "intoxicated" when the incident was supposed to have happened. That means he/she was not in their right and sane mind. A jury would certainly not believe a person who was testifying on the stand that swore to the facts as they remember them while they were drunk, so why should the person who told you the story believe him/her.

The important thing is: what do you as a sober person know to be the truth? If the statement is true and if an apology is due from you to this relative then... you should make your apology while the person is sober and get it over with. However if their claim was an illegal act then you should get some legal advice from an attorney before you admit to anything.

If however the person is mistaken (because afterall they were not of sound mind and body) or lying then it is up to you to face up to that relative and talk about what you heard and get it straightened out once and for all.

I am sorry if I couldn't answer your question with a measure of certainty, but I belive that what I have answered is a logical approach to your question. Good luck and courage in your quest for the truth. Rebos