Drunkenness poses a significant moral failing, as Scripture consistently views drinking to excess as a sin. The apostle Paul starkly warns that drunkards will not inherit the kingdom of God. While drinking alcohol in moderation is not condemned—wine is noted to cheer both God and men, and it is part of sacred rituals and advised for health—excessive consumption becomes a grave issue. Even small amounts of alcohol can loosen inhibitions, and further intake impairs judgment, increasing the likelihood of committing other sins such as lying, theft, hatred, violence, and sexual immorality. The Bible urges sobriety, meaning never allowing alcohol to impair righteous judgment. In a culture known for alcoholic excess, Paul frequently emphasizes sobriety, teaching that the grace of God instructs us to live soberly, righteously, and godly. The Greek term for sobriety implies saving the mind, reflecting self-control and spiritual health. This virtue of self-mastery is rare in a world that often glorifies abandoning restraint, yet it is essential for a Christian to keep the mind always under control, following the example of Jesus Christ, who never relinquished control and never sinned. Striving for self-control, a fruit of the Spirit, aligns us with the measure of Christ's stature, promising eternal joy in God's presence.

The Bible addresses the issue of drunkenness as a form of addiction, though not in modern terms. It does not condemn the drinking of alcohol outright but strongly advocates for healthy self-control to prevent succumbing to its effects. Solomon warns in Proverbs 20:1 that wine is a mocker and strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. In Proverbs 23:19-21, he advises against associating with winebibbers and gluttons, noting that the drunkard and glutton will come to poverty. He further describes the debilitating effects of alcohol in Proverbs 23:29-35 and cautions those in authority against intoxicating drink in Proverbs 31:4-5, lest they forget the law and pervert justice. The principle of moderation governed by self-control applies to God's people, who are urged to avoid drunkenness and dependence. Failure to exercise self-control in consuming alcohol or similar substances is considered a sin. Paul states in I Corinthians 6:10 that drunkards will not inherit the Kingdom of God, and in Galatians 5:21, he lists drunkenness among the works of the flesh. God holds individuals responsible for their choices in succumbing to such addictions, viewing them as a series of sinful decisions toward self-destruction. The solution lies in self-control, listed by Paul as a fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, which requires dedication and determination to overcome intense cravings and build character with God's support. Paul emphasizes in II Timothy 1:7 that the Spirit given by God provides power, love, and a sound mind to help overcome addiction. In I Corinthians 6:12, he asserts that while all things may be lawful, he will not be brought under the power of any, highlighting the need for control over permissible things to reflect God's nature.

Alcohol stands as the primary drug of choice for many, highlighting the pervasive issue of drunkenness in society. The easy availability of substances like alcohol, legally obtainable in nearly every market, fuels a dangerous dependency. This dependency often begins as a means to escape pain or alter one's emotional state, but it quickly ensnares the user, creating a need for ever-increasing amounts to achieve the same effect. Uncontrolled, this leads to a powerful chemical and psychological bondage, where the individual becomes a slave to the substance, fully aware of their captivity yet often unable to break free. The damage extends beyond the individual, wreaking havoc on family, social, and business relationships, leaving the abuser desperate to mend these broken ties and restore their self-esteem. In response to this struggle, many turn to organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous, which was originally founded to combat addiction to alcohol. It claims a significant success rate in helping individuals overcome their dependency, though studies dispute this efficacy, showing no significant difference in outcomes between those who participate in the program and those who do not, with some even suggesting a higher likelihood of binge drinking among participants. Despite these concerns, the program remains a prominent resource, employing a twelve-step approach that emphasizes admitting powerlessness over alcohol and seeking help from a higher power. However, the vague and broad terminology used in these steps raises questions about the true nature of the recovery process and its alignment with deeper spiritual truths.