I drank for about 25 years getting over the loss of my father and I took the anger out on myself. I did a good job at beating myself up at sometimes. I don’t drink anymore but my alcoholic head occasionally says different. ‘Nil By Mouth’ was a love letter to my father because I needed to resolve some issues in order to be able to forgive him.

Gary Oldman

The Quote in Other Words

For approximately 25 years, I consumed alcohol to cope with the pain of losing my father and directed my frustration towards myself, often being very harsh. Although I no longer drink, my alcoholic tendencies still occasionally resurface. Writing ‘Nil By Mouth’ was a way for me to address unresolved issues with my father and ultimately find forgiveness. It was like a heartfelt message to him.

Explanation of the Quote

This quote speaks to the power of addiction and the ways in which we cope with loss and trauma. The speaker reveals that they turned to alcohol as a means of dealing with the pain of losing their father, and that this coping mechanism ultimately led to self-destructive behavior. The phrase “my alcoholic head occasionally says different” suggests that even though the speaker has stopped drinking, the desire to numb their pain still lingers.

The mention of “Nil By Mouth” as a love letter to the speaker’s father highlights the importance of forgiveness in the healing process. By confronting their issues and working through their emotions, the speaker was able to find a sense of closure and move forward. This quote serves as a reminder that healing is a journey, and that it often requires us to confront difficult emotions and experiences in order to find peace.