The Dark Side of the Vine: Should Christians Drink Alcohol?

"Take a sip, it's not like you are getting drunk."

"If you drink too much, I will make sure nothing bad happens."

"It's okay to let loose every once in a while."

You may find yourself in a lot of moral debates, including the age-old question: "Should I drink if I'm a Christian?" Your question will likely spark a wide range of opinions, from those who believe it's acceptable to indulge in moderation to those who firmly advocate for abstinence. The different opinions may seem overwhelming at first, but don't worry, it's actually not as complicated as it seems. While my personal opinion/story may factor into this discussion, I'll strive to put the Bible first and also speak on health implications to arrive at a balanced perspective.

You may be wondering if it's even wise to drink and if God is okay with it. To find the answer, we need to dive into scripture and understand the Biblical perspective on sobriety and a somewhat traditional Christian lifestyle. The Bible is our guide and the foundation for making decisions, so it's essential to consult it before seeking outside help. By examining what it says, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's will for our lives and make informed decisions that align with His plan.

Throughout the Bible, there are repeated warnings against drunkenness. Verses like 1 Peter 5:8 and Ephesians 5:18 remind us to be vigilant and filled with the Spirit, rather than indulging in excess. Interestingly, when wine is mentioned in a positive light (throughout the Bible), it's often in moderation, implying that self-control is key. This concept can be applied beyond just drinking - any loss of self-control in our lives can be dangerous and unhealthy.

In Romans 14:21, we're reminded that our actions can have a big impact on others. This cautions against engaging in behaviors that might cause a brother or sister to stumble or be offended. As Christians, we need to consider how our choices might affect those around us. This can be applied to other aspects of life, including drinking. As I think about the potential consequences of alcohol consumption, I'm prompted to consider whether it's even good to drink at all.

Research suggests that even moderate drinking can impair brain function and lead to problems with judgment, as well as damage to organs, regardless of the amount consumed. This is concerning, especially considering that many people assume it's safe as long as they don't get drunk. This highlights the importance of careful consideration and caution when it comes to alcohol consumption.

The stats below are from health.gov.au

BAC of up to 0.05:

-feeling of well-being

-talkative, relaxed and more confident

BAC of 0.05 to 0.08:

-impaired judgement and movement

-reduced inhibitions

BAC of 0.08 to 0.15:

-slurred speech

-impaired balance, coordination, vision, and reflexes

-unstable emotions

-nausea and vomiting

BAC of 0.15 to 0.30:

-unable to walk without help

-sleepy

-difficulty breathing

-memory loss

-loss of bladder control

-possible loss of consciousness

BAC of over 0.30:

-coma

-death

"Every year, there are more than 4,000 alcohol-related deaths in individuals under the age of 21."

-alcoholrehabguide.org

"Alcohol contributes to more than 200 health conditions and about 178,000 deaths in the U.S. each year, making alcohol one of the leading causes of preventable death …" -niaaa.nih.gov

"Alcohol kills nearly 500 Americans every day, and nearly 3 million have an alcohol use disorder."  

-aamc.org

I once thought that drinking was a normal part of life, and I was deceived by the idea that it was necessary to feel like an adult or to fit in with my friends. I was convinced that I couldn't be myself unless I had a drink or two to loosen up. Even a small amount of alcohol would determine the trajectory of my night - would I be more outgoing, more carefree, or more confident? I didn't even genuinely enjoy the taste of the alcohol, but I was trying to convince myself that I did.

In reality, I was just going through the motions, pretending to have a good time, but deep down, I wasn't really connecting with any of it. It's clear to me now that it wasn't normal to tie my self-worth and sense of belonging to something as fleeting and unreliable as a drink. Not only did drinking worsen my anxiety, depression, and insecurities, but it also left me vulnerable to manipulation by others.

One particular instance stands out - a 26-year-old man, who was supposed to be a friend, made advances towards me when I was only 17 and a bit intoxicated. I was too afraid to respond, so I stupidly pretended to be asleep. The memory is etched in my mind as a painful reminder of my naivety, with the added shame of knowing that the alcohol had clouded my judgment and left me feeling disoriented and unsure of how to react. I wish I had been sober enough to protect myself from the toxic influences that surrounded me.

I also recall a group of friends from my 18-year-old days who wrestled with addiction issues. They would often pressure me to join them in their reckless behavior. I was hesitant to say no, fearing rejection or conflict, so I often gave in and ended up doing things I later regretted. Unbeknownst to me at the time, I was also a bit of a pushover and would get too drunk, leading to situations where I'd become overly friendly and affectionate with people. Imagine someone coming up to you and hugging you for no reason...Yes, I know...Cringey.

I'm hesitant to share this experience, but I believe it's important to do so in order to help others avoid similar situations. One night, I returned to my friend's room (from the group above) with her and her boyfriend, and they were laughing and chatting with me. Although, I don't really remember the specifics of their conversation, I do remember being asked to participate in a threesome with them. It all left me feeling extremely uncomfortable. I instantly panicked and I did something that still embarrasses me - I pretended that I didn't hear a word they said and I claimed to be asleep. (I know.. again...What is up with that?)

I've often tried to convince myself that I was just trying to avoid the situation, but in reality, it was a naive and ineffective strategy. Drinking makes you vulnerable, and when you're alone, you're more likely to find yourself in situations you'd rather forget. I'm not saying it's a universal experience, but I know many people who have similar stories of regrettable encounters while drunk. In fact, most of the girls I know have had negative experiences when under the influence. I'm grateful that things didn't escalate further in my situation because I could have easily found myself in a worse predicament.

"According to some research, 30 percent of all sexual assaults and 75 percent of sexual assaults occurring on college campuses, occur when the perpetrator is under the influence of alcohol. In many cases, the victim is also intoxicated." -butler.edu

Can you truly have fun without relying on alcohol? YES! While many people associate drinking with socializing and relaxation, I believe it's possible to find joy without a glass of wine. In fact, excessive or even moderate drinking can worsen your mental health, rather than help you. It is possible to cope with anxiety and other mental health struggles without drinking. Here are a few tips that have allowed me to appreciate my friendships and cope with anxiety without reaching for alcohol.

1. Read your Bible.

2. Pray about it!

3. Hang out with like minded individuals.

4. Talk with a therapist about your struggles.

5. Get physically healthy.

"Converging evidence suggests genetic links between AUD and mood disorders. Further, long-term exposure to alcohol against the backdrop of depressive or manic symptoms may lead to a more severe clinical course, with longer duration of mood episodes, poorer cognitive function, and higher risk of suicide." -niaaa.nih.gov 

"Alcohol has immediate and long-term effects on a person’s brain chemistry. The immediate impact of alcohol use usually feels positive. This is due to the flood of “feel-good” neurochemicals that alcohol releases, like dopamine, GABA, and various endorphins. This chemical cocktail elevates mood and promotes relaxation, at least at first. Over time, the more frequently alcohol is used, the more diluted these effects become. This means that regular drinkers don’t get as much of the feel-good rush, and many increase the amount they’re drinking while trying to regain it. Chasing this alcohol buzz is part of what leads to pronounced negative effects, like depression after drinking." -batonrougebehavioral.com

"Researchers have found binge eating after drinking alcohol is common. While it may seem counterintuitive because alcohol typically has a lot of calories, it appears that ingesting alcohol increases hunger. Excessive drinking may activate the same part of the brain as hunger causing binge eating." -therecoveryvillage.com

Let's be honest with ourselves - relying on substances may provide temporary relief, but it's a temporary fix that can lead to long-term harm. The harsh truth is that it can increase the risk of health problems and even cause death. So, when you're tempted to reach for that glass of wine or shot of tequila, ask yourself: is it really worth the guilt, the potential damage to your body, and the uncertain outcome? Is it worth compromising your well-being for a momentary escape?

If you're still torn about it all, I encourage you to please turn to the Bible and pray to God for clarity. Just consider whether or not the temporary highs or social benefits of drinking truly outweigh the potential drawbacks. Ultimately, only you can make the choice, and I'm simply trying to bring attention to this important topic by sharing my thoughts and concerns. I'm repeating this because it's crucial: turn to scripture, and you will find your answers.

I hope that you did not find this too judgmental or rude, because that was not my intention for this post. If you're interested in exploring this further, I encourage you to dig deeper and seek out scripture. If you have any questions, doubts, or concerns about what I've shared, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm open to being corrected and willing to learn alongside you, so feel free to share your thoughts and insights.