"He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man." - Samuel Johnson
The problem is that the pain always comes back. Unless, of course, you become the beast permanently.
@teto the actual context is relating to men getting drunk and turning into "beasts." one could take it to that extreme though, sure. my first thought upon hearing it is of those who cause misery for other people so as to not feel their own misery.