Irish-American actor Charlie Sheen blames his drinking for his alleged attack on wife Brooke Mueller.

The "Two and a Half Men" actor — who was arrested on Christmas Day after reportedly assaulting his spouse with a knife — has told friends he feels "awful" about his actions but knows it wouldn't have happened if he had stayed away from alcohol.

One revealed: "Charlie feels awful. He let himself down by drinking ... And he wants to be with his kids."

Despite the alleged attack, Sheen is determined to make his third marriage last for the sake of the couple's nine-month-old twin sons Bob and Max.

The friend added: "Charlie has two little boys and he does not want to get divorced again."

Sheen, 44, and 32-year-old Mueller are said to be having marriage counseling in a bid to save their 19-month union.

A source said: "Brooke and Charlie still love each other, but they are very different. For the good of the children they definitely want to see if counseling will help before anything further is decided."

Sheen was charged with second-degree assault, menacing and criminal mischief while the pair were holidaying with family in Aspen for Christmas. Details of the telephone call made by Brooke to the police were revealed on Tuesday.

She said: "My husband had me with a knife and I'm scared for my life, and he threatened me. I thought I was going to die." She paused when asked his name, before confirming: "It's Charlie Sheen."