Sacred texts do not hide harsh criticism of uncontrolled alcohol consumption, viewing drunkenness as a destructive passion that robs a person of reason and distances them from God.

Sacred Warnings Against Excessive Drunkenness

Sacred texts do not hide harsh criticism of uncontrolled alcohol consumption, viewing drunkenness as a destructive passion that robs a person of reason and distances them from God. For instance, one source notes that the excessive consumption of wine is seen as a ruinous passion, because “drunkenness leads to the destruction of personality and the estrangement of a person from God.” At the same time, there is a warning in the Old Testament: “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is deceived by them is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1). This quote demonstrates that although wine can be seen as a symbol of life (associated with the blood of the grape cluster, for example, in other contexts), its excessive use is interpreted as a deviation from divine commandments and moral standards.

Another source compares the state of uncontrolled drunkenness to demonic possession, emphasizing that the passion for alcohol in a religious context is equivalent to other serious spiritual and moral vices. Thus, drunkards in these texts are portrayed not merely as people who have lost self-control, but as individuals whose fate is marred by a destructive passion that distances them from spiritual perfection and a connection with God.

Supporting citation(s):
“The Church’s view on the struggle with alcoholism also includes the condemnation of excessive wine consumption, since drunkenness leads to the destruction of personality and estrangement from God. The Old Testament says: ‘Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is deceived by them is not wise’ (Proverbs 20:1). Alcoholism is viewed as one of the severe passions highlighted in spiritual teachings.” (source: link txt)

“Drunkenness is as horrible as demonic possession.

But what can be done to prevent a person from drinking?

... Such healing is not accepted either by official medicine or by clergy (sorcery and divination are among the mortal sins)...” (source: link txt)

These statements clearly demonstrate that in the religious context, drinking, when it turns into uncontrolled passion, is seen not only as harmful to physical health but also as a spiritual deviation that prevents a person from adhering to divine commandments and building a healthy, moral life.