Bridging the Gap: Avoiding Alcoholism with Guidance from Ephesians and Proverbs

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit

-Ephesians 5:18

Is that not the truth? Alcohol can have a major impact on the way we behave. In fact, 17.6 million people, about one in twelve adults, have alcoholism issues. What’s even worse is that, as of 2015, around twenty-seven percent of people eighteen or older said they binge drank within the last month. (Binge drinking is drinking a substantial amount of alcohol in a short amount of time.) These statistics come from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) and the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and can be eye-opening. To think that many people abuse alcohol can perhaps be frightening. It could lead some to going to dual diagnosis treatment facilities, especially if they struggle with mental troubles. However, if we follow the advice of the Bible, we may be able to avoid such problems.

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise,”

– Proverbs 23:29-35

The necessity of understanding alcohol can be quite important. Many people might drink alcohol and not understand how powerful it is. Often times, young people will drink for the first time but they will not truly know the strength of one drink alone. It’s scary to think you may end up at dual diagnosis treatment facilities because of potential drinking problems linked to mental disorders. This is why Proverbs tells you not to be led astray. You do not want to think you can drink a glass of wine like a glass of water. It is extremely potent and can lead you to make poor decisions. You might end up arguing with your friend at a bar. You may fall and injure yourself. Worse yet, you could crash your car and injure yourself and others in an automotive accident. It is why you do not wish to be led astray.

Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with tags,”

-Proverbs 23:20-21

Proverbs tells us that if you spend too much money on alcohol or food, you could end up poor and penniless on the streets. This is a sad yet true fact and it has happened to many people. Some cannot afford to feed themselves and turn to alcohol in order to relieve them of the basic human worries that go along with financial obligations. Keeping in mind what could happen financially if you abuse alcohol is important here. If you do not have money, you may end up in withdrawal on the streets. Following God’s wisdom from the Bible can lead to a much happier and more fulfilling life. Allow that to prevent you from sinning due to the worldly temptations around you.

About the author: Tommy Zimmer is a writer whose work has appeared online and in print. His work covers a variety of topics, including politics, economics, health and wellness, addiction and recovery, and the entertainment industry.

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