Alcohol can be both a blessing and a curse, depending on how it is used. For many, moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages brings enjoyment and is a source of social, cultural, and religious connection. However, for others, abuse of alcohol leads to serious consequences, including physical, mental, and spiritual damage. Approximately 10% of drinkers develop alcoholism, a condition that can destroy lives.
Regardless of the form—whether in beer, wine, whiskey, gin, vodka, or even vanilla extract and mouthwash—all contain ethyl alcohol or ethanol. Understanding the proper and improper uses of this substance is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship with alcohol.
Wine, in particular, has been a part of human history for thousands of years. The earliest evidence of wine production dates back to around 6000 BCE in the Stone Age village of Gadachrili Gora. Other early evidence of winemaking has been found in Persia (5000 BCE), Italy, and Armenia (4000 BCE). The Chinese civilisations mixed grapes with rice to create fermented beverages as early as the seventh millennium BCE. These early practices reflect alcohol's long history as both a cultural and religious element in human society.
Biblical reference
In ancient times, wine was associated with life, God's blessing, and God's Kingdom. In the Old Testament, alcohol played a significant role in religious observances. Israelite drink offerings included wine (e.g., Num 15:5, 7). Wine symbolised blessings in prophecies of the Millennium (Amos 9:13). However, abstinence was also important, such as in Nazarite vows (Num 6:1-3), where individuals like Samson were prohibited from drinking wine (Judg 13:7). Daniel and his friends also abstained from the king’s food and wine as an act of worship (Dan 1:8).
In the New Testament, alcohol plays a role in religious symbolism. At the wedding in Cana (Jn 2:1–11), Jesus performed His first miracle by turning water into wine, demonstrating His divine power. Additionally, wine is used in the Christian Passover, where Jesus referred to it as His blood of the New Testament (Matt 26:28), symbolising His sacrifice for the remission of sins. This use of wine represents the most significant religious meaning of alcohol in the Christian faith.
In addition to religious and medicinal uses, drinking alcohol is practiced for pleasure at social occasions like weddings and parties. Wine and other alcoholic beverages can bring joy and enhance happy gatherings, as they "gladden the heart of man" (Ps 104:15).
Alcohol as medicine
Alcohol has medicinal value as an anesthetic (painkiller), antiseptic (prevents infection), disinfectant, and antidote. Alcohol is primarily used as a solvent for drugs, but it also has sedative, cooling, and other therapeutic effects.
Studies show that mild to moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a lower risk of dementia and slower cognitive decline. It can also reduce the risk of developing gallstones.
In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:30-37), wine was used to ease pain and prevent infection. While modern drugs like Novocain are used for anesthesia, alcohol is still used as an antiseptic for minor wounds.
The apostle Paul recommended a little wine for Timothy's stomach issues (1 Tim 5:23), suggesting it could help with digestive problems, though only in moderation.
Proverbs 31:4-7 advises that those in authority should avoid wine and strong drinks to prevent poor judgment. Still, it acknowledges alcohol's calming effects for those in distress, offering temporary relief from suffering.
The research point
A large number of population studies have shown a protective effect of light or moderate alcohol drinking against the risk of death and the development of heart disease. Many studies have also reported specific benefits of red wine.
Despite high-fat diets, Population surveys found lower heart disease rates in some European countries where red wine was consumed regularly. After one standard drink of red wine or alcohol, blood vessels dilated, easing the heart's workload. After two standard drinks, heart rate, blood output, and sympathetic nervous system activity rose, while blood vessel expansion diminished, negating the initial benefits. One standard drink is about 10–12 grams of pure alcohol contained in 280-330ml of beer, 150-180ml of champagne, 30-40ml of whisky/high-strength spirit, 60-80ml of liqueur, and 100-120ml of red wine.
Risks of heavy alcohol use
Heavy drinking, including binge drinking, increases the risk of serious health issues, including cancers (colorectal, breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, etc.), cirrhosis, cardiovascular problems, and stroke. It’s also linked to intentional injuries, such as suicide and accidents. During pregnancy, alcohol can cause brain damage and other complications for the baby. Alcohol can cloud a person's thinking and judgment, particularly during driving.
Alcohol also adds calories, contributing to weight gain and digestive problems. While moderate drinking was once thought to lower heart disease and diabetes risk, recent research shows that a healthy diet and regular exercise offer far greater health benefits. The term moderate can also be used to define the risk of illness or injury based on the number of drinks a person consumes in a week.
The World Health Organization estimates that alcohol is responsible for 5.3% of all global deaths annually, with 50.3% of cirrhosis deaths in 2023 being alcohol-related. Alcohol-related accidents are a leading cause of vehicle accidents in Goa, where alcoholism also contributes to over 300 deaths annually from liver cirrhosis, similar to road traffic fatalities. From January to December 7, 2024, Goa's traffic cells recorded 5008 drunken driving cases, 63.4% up from 1829 cases in 2023.
