Mel Gibson's post-arrest beer binge

Oct 13, 2006, 14:05 GMT

Mel Gibson went home and got drunk after being arrested for drunk-driving.

The 'Lethal Weapon' actor - who was over the legal limit when he was pulled over in Malibu in July - claims that was the moment he realised he'd hit rock bottom.

Mel, who launched into an anti-Semitic rant during his arrest, revealed in an interview with US TV show 'Good Morning America': "I just went home and saw my kids were there. I talked to them for a little bit. And it was a little rough that morning and I chased it down with a few cold ones."

He added: "It was kind of unbearable to face. I said, 'Well, this is it. This will be the end of it, but I just have to get through this morning.'

"You're not operating well, but you know you have to do something."

Mel - who has battled alcoholism for most of his adult life - has blamed a heavy workload and a long-running battle with "inner rage" for his downward spiral back into drinking.

He explained: "I guess I must have been a little overwrought. Too much pressure, too much work. You do things that go against good judgment. A few drinks later, and I was in the back of a police car wailing.

"I've been angry all my life and I try not to have it manifest itself. I can murder inanimate objects. You should see me choking the toaster in the morning!"

(C) BANG Media International