The limits of drinking

[CHAZER2222]

Hi, I love a drink for time to time with friends and I was wondering what the sin of drunkenness is and what is using alcohol in excess is. Since I have never been so drunk that I black out or can’t remember I have no idea of what sinful drinking is. At what point is it sinful? Any help would be great

 

[Welshrabbit]

I’m sure I will be corrected if I’m wrong (and even if I’m right as per usual on this forum) but I believe that drinking becomes a sin when you lose your ability to reason.

But don’t take my word for it…

http://www.newadvent.org/summa/3150.htm

 

[Irishmom2]

Yes, that link was a little too deep for me, but I think I agree with you.
When someone is drunk enough that their state would cause harm to themselves or others, or when they lose the power to reason or speak clearly, it is too much.

Unfortunately, where some people would draw that line differs. There are always those people that think they are fine that are not.

 

[CHAZER2222]

Yes, that’s the problem I’m having, with friends I can we can all have a few beers, some JD and coke and port and I feel fine mentally in fact we normally start talking theology into the night, but some can have one beer and then they fall over. I feel like any effect I feel is sinful

 

[Irishmom2]

Then perhaps for you, it is a problem. Maybe limit your drinking to less than what you usually do.

 

[HomeschoolDad]

For the most part, I choose not to drink at all. I will have a cold beer perhaps once a month or so, paired with good food that is enhanced by it (pizza, steak, spareribs, etc.). I rarely drink wine or liquor, maybe two or three times a year. I probably spend less than $20 per year on alcoholic beverages.

Just a health and lifestyle choice. The Church does not condemn moderate consumption of alcoholic beverage, as long as deliberate impairment or drunkenness is not sought.