Black Man Theology

At the age of 17, I started drinking alcohol. 

I had no etiquette when it came to drinking alcohol. My goal was to drink until I lost control. Honestly, I thought that was the point of alcohol. Sadly, my poor understanding of alcohol created a decade of alcoholism and misbehavior. Very seldom did I have a civilized drink. I ended up being angry, promiscuous, and irresponsible. It always started fun for me, then ended up shameful. 

At the age of 21, I crashed my car into a brick wall and drove the opposite way on a highway, yet, I managed to make it home. First off, where were my friends?! Nonetheless, I’ll never forget that night because I was relieved I made it home and had the worst hangover the next day. 

Drinking, for me, was an escape. I resented my absent father, had childhood trauma, and was bullied throughout school. I drank throughout college, and shortly after, at 25, I had my last drink of alcohol. 

I stopped because I made too many mistakes and couldn’t control how much I drank. I eventually got tired of throwing up, having hangovers, and being mean to people around me when intoxicated. On my sobriety journey, I learned why alcohol wasn’t a good fit for me. One of the main reasons I got drunk is I had problems that I never addressed. 

At 25, I started becoming whole and closer to God. I started therapy and dealt with my childhood issues. I realized alcohol was a coping mechanism for my problems, and to heal; I needed to put in the work. It has been ten years since I’ve drunk alcohol, and it has changed my life. I make better decisions and have found better tools to cope with my issues and other ways to have fun. 

I don’t share my story to condemn you if you drink. I’m sharing this to help someone who may have a drinking problem. If you desire to quit, get the help you need. Tell someone you trust you want help. Ask God to help you start your journey to sobriety. 

From a biblical standpoint, God doesn’t tell us we can’t drink alcohol. However, scripture does say don’t get drunk. The Apostle Paul told the Ephesians church, “Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬).

Drunkenness brings humiliation and embarrassment. Having a healthy relationship with alcohol is essential. Lastly, having things and activities outside of alcohol to have happiness and fun is paramount.