Having a bit of difficulty letting go of beer

[Jeffmk]

I love beer, the taste, the relaxation, the way it makes me feel really alive and in the moment. I even have taken up brewing my own beer, and enjoy the process a lot. In fact, I feel closer to God when I drink - I let go of all of the safe guards I had built over the years of being an atheist, which are quite a few.

I don't consider myself an alcoholic because I don't drink in excess, usually it will be three to six beers once a week. That is the problem though, I don't see any negative impact it is having on my life. I become incredibly nice, loving, considerate, and the such while slightly inebriated. I don't rely on it, to ease depression, frustration, etc.. it is simply there to relax, unwind, and enjoy myself in the safety of my home.

So, as you can see this is really a difficult thing for me to let go of. If it were not for the WoW, I would see no point in giving it up entirely. I know that liquor destroys lives, if it is abused and used to self medicate, and I know a lot of the negative consequences of health it can have for those who over use it.

I dunno guys, I feel guilty about it though. Perhaps I am using it as a crutch, and further down the road I will be strong enough in faith to have the same experience without drinking my way there. Saying that makes me feel like an alcoholic now, lol. I just really enjoy the feeling.

Does God ever use sinful things, such as alcohol to draw people closer to Him? Are any of you former drinkers, or have experience with people that converted and gave up drinking? What ultimately worked for you or them?

[MarginOfError]

Truthfully, beer hasn't always been prohibited in the Gospel commandments. I don't think beer in and of itself is something that will drive you away from God. So I can understand why you have a hard time giving it up.

The bulk of my comment will center on the following passage from D&C 89

Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints.

Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation—

Sometimes we aren't asked to give something up because it is detrimental to us, but because it could be detrimental to someone else who has a stronger proclivity to abusing it. It's possible (I would argue likely) that a portion of the current implementation of the Word of Wisdom involves that covenant to "bear one another's burdens." Drinking beer may not be a problem for you, but by giving it up, you are showing your solidarity and support and encouragement to those of God's children whose lives would be destroyed if they took up the habit.

[Jeffmk]

Truthfully, beer hasn't always been prohibited in the Gospel commandments. I don't think beer in and of itself is something that will drive you away from God. So I can understand why you have a hard time giving it up.

The bulk of my comment will center on the following passage from D&C 89

Sometimes we aren't asked to give something up because it is detrimental to us, but because it could be detrimental to someone else who has a stronger proclivity to abusing it. It's possible (I would argue likely) that a portion of the current implementation of the Word of Wisdom involves that covenant to "bear one another's burdens." Drinking beer may not be a problem for you, but by giving it up, you are showing your solidarity and support and encouragement to those of God's children whose lives would be destroyed if they took up the habit.

Thank you for such a great response, I had never really thought of it in such a way. I've read D&C entirely, but it seems that I always miss out on such wisdom until someone else points it out to me.

[estradling75]

Something else to consider...

We are here to see if we will do ALL THINGS that God commands.

It is easy to follow the commandments that make sense to us. The commandments that we easily see the positive benefits outweighing the negatives.. Which means those aren't much of a test.

It is much, much, much, harder (as you are witnessing) follow a command that we don't see the upside to. To give up something that we like, that we think it harmless, that involves a sacrifice on our part. That is were the test really takes place, its were we show that we really do have Faith, it were we show are commitment to do ALL THINGS.

We all face it. While the details will vary from person to person the type of trial is not. Most of us have faced, are currently facing or will at some point face the same type of trial you are currently facing

[Suzie]

Hi Jeff, when the Word of Wisdom was first introduced, the publication committee in charge of assembling the D&C added that the instruction was not given "by comandment or constraint". Back then, the Word of Wisdom was preached and followed with very little consistency.

Joseph Smith himself was what I would refer to as an example in moderation with regards to what we call now prohibited substances by the Word of Wisdom, Brigham Young himself didn't give up tobacco until 1860.

I am not saying this to throw any harsh criticisms against past leaders, this is to show how long it took for members (including prominent leaders) to give up substances they used most of their lives.

I know beer is something you enjoy drinking and I also know that it will take time to give it up, so be patient with yourself as you try to adjust to this new change in your life.

[NeuroTypical]

That is the problem though, I don't see any negative impact it is having on my life.

Well, it is having an impact - it is keeping you from being a member in good standing of the church, because you are not keeping your baptismal covenants. (Whether that's a negative thing or not, is solely up to you. )

I became active about fifteen years ago. I still miss doing all the stuff I used to do on Sundays.

[Leah]

Isn't ingesting a substance for the purpose of changing how you feel exactly what self-medicating is?

[Jeffmk]

Isn't ingesting a substance for the purpose of changing how you feel exactly what self-medicating is?

Yeah, I suppose in a way it is. But, I think by such standards eating chocolate would also be a form of self medicating. Not quite as strong, but there is definitely a boost after I have a Symphony bar

With that said, I really shouldn't be defending my use of beer. It is just something I'm gonna miss, just as I would Symphony bars.

[estradling75]

With that said, I really shouldn't be defending my use of beer. It is just something I'm gonna miss, just as I would Symphony bars.

Its ok to miss things. When we miss things then we remember why we miss them. And if we miss them because we choose to follow God our thoughts return to him and that is a good thing

[mirkwood]

I gave up iced tea when I found out it was a violation of the WOW. To this day the thought of iced tea makes my glands juice up. But, the WOW tells me it is prohibited and thus I obey.

[Son_of_Orpheus]

Try wine. Drop the beer. You'll get that soft, warm feeling without the full tummy----just like the early leaders and members of the church did. Of course these days it won't put you in good stead with the church.

[Jeffmk]

I gave up iced tea when I found out it was a violation of the WOW. To this day the thought of iced tea makes my glands juice up. But, the WOW tells me it is prohibited and thus I obey.

See, that is another thing I'm gonna miss. Inexpensive, and good tasting.

I'm gonna give it a try though, it is gonna take a bit of time but tea, nicotine, alcohol, and everything else will eventually (hopefully) be tossed. My wife will be delighted with the nicotine being gone, probably happier that I don't drink anymore.

I just don't want to push it all at once, I know myself well enough to understand my limits. At this point, I am gathering the faith, it is more of a desire that everything is true. I know how stupid that sounds, but it is just how my mind works I guess.

Faith is a really strange thing to me, it is a hard concept to grasp and keep a hold of. If I were to cut everything cold turkey right now, I know my mind would rationalize an escape plan and it would all go to waste.

It is strange that such a desire exists, I don't know, I just see how faith works in people, and I want to be a better person. I'm not used to talking about these sorts of things so it is pretty awkward. I wish I could be so sure as to just look at the WoW, and it would be enough for me to just quit all at once.

I hope what I wrote doesn't offend anyone.

[pam]

One day at a time. One step at a time.

[estradling75]

Honest struggles shouldn't offend anyone.

If you are looking to increase faith I would recommend Prayer and Scripture Study.

[Guest Godless]

Isn't ingesting a substance for the purpose of changing how you feel exactly what self-medicating is?

Sure, but that's only a negative thing if you become dependent on it. Having a beer or two to relax after a long day of work isn't a harmful activity. Some people come home from work and watch TV. Some play World of Warcraft. Some have a drink. All of these activities could be considered "self-medication" in the sense that they help you relax. When your reasons for drinking go from relaxation to escapism, then there's a problem.

[beefche]

Try wine. Drop the beer. You'll get that soft, warm feeling without the full tummy----just like the early leaders and members of the church did. Of course these days it won't put you in good stead with the church.

Why would you advise someone to replace the alcohol with another alcohol to someone who is stating he wants to do better regarding his faith and church membership?

[Leah]

Sure, but that's only a negative thing if you become dependent on it. Having a beer or two to relax after a long day of work isn't a harmful activity. Some people come home from work and watch TV. Some play World of Warcraft. Some have a drink. All of these activities could be considered "self-medication" in the sense that they help you relax. When your reasons for drinking go from relaxation to escapism, then there's a problem.

There can be problems with alcohol even if someone perceives them self not to be dependent on it. Just ask any officer who has dealt with the aftermath of a DUI.

The main point here is that alcohol is against the WOW. There needn't be any reason beyond that to abstain for members of the church.

[Jeffmk]

There can be problems with alcohol even if someone perceives them self not to be dependent on it. Just ask any officer who has dealt with the aftermath of a DUI.

The main point here is that alcohol is against the WOW. There needn't be any reason beyond that to abstain for members of the church.

Just a quick note here, when I do drink I am at home. Drinking and driving is not something I consider doing, even while intoxicated. Regardless, I'm not going to drink and try to keep with the WoW. The next step is nicotine, which I am hopelessly addicted to. That one, is going to be the difficult one.

[Leah]

Just a quick note here, when I do drink I am at home. Drinking and driving is not something I consider doing, even while intoxicated. Regardless, I'm not going to drink and try to keep with the WoW. The next step is nicotine, which I am hopelessly addicted to. That one, is going to be the difficult one.

I have a friend who returned to the church after 30 years. She was a hard-core smoker. She had a priesthood blessing for the smoking...never picked up another cigarette.

Also, my mother quit smoking after almost 60 years. I tell you, if she can do it, anyone can!

[Jeffmk]

I have a friend who returned to the church after 30 years. She was a hard-core smoker. She had a priesthood blessing for the smoking...never picked up another cigarette.

Also, my mother quit smoking after almost 60 years. I tell you, if she can do it, anyone can!

I hope I experience the same thing. While I no longer smoke tobacco, and use a much cheaper alternative it would be nice to no longer be reliant on nicotine regardless.

[mirkwood]

Pray for the desire to overcome your addictions.

[mnn727]

I love beer, the taste,

Love the taste? I was an adult convert (at age 37) but have always hated the taste -- anyway

As for being closer to God when drinking beer -- sorry I don't buy it. You can talk your self into believing that, I did when young (17/18)using another substance but its not true as I found after I actually did become closer to God.

The (however slight) buzz you get from the alcohol removes a slight bit of control over yourself, that small loss of control can let Satan get his foot in the door.

I have drank before my conversion, for the most part socially, and even though you're not getting drunk, even one beer will slightly lower your inhibitions, 2 beers a bit more, three even more, etc.

You also will be giving up blessings by continuing to drink: full membership, temple attendance. That's too much to give up in my opinion.

Christ gave his life for you, and you don't want to give up beer for Him?

---

Edited to add, I read the rest of the thread and see you have multiple changes to make -- I agree with others: One Step at a time.

Edited April 10, 2013 by mnn727

[mnn727]

The next step is nicotine, which I am hopelessly addicted to. That one, is going to be the difficult one.

I smoked for 18 years, you are right, its hard - very hard!

However what I found was that when I finally really wanted to quit- I did.

Still had cravings for years- they got shorter and shorter as time passed. As long as you do not fixate on your cravings they go away after a couple minutes and they will come less often and be shorter as time passes.

My doctor told me that for as long as I smoked I would still get cravings and he was right, I had cravings for about 18 years (been 25 years now since I quit) -- but after the first month or so, you know how short those cravings are and as long as you don't focus on them you'll be fine.

Oh, TicTac's (the small candy) did wonders. I had a 3 box a day TicTac habit for a few months.

I wish you well on this one.

[Guest Godless]

Love the taste? I was an adult convert (at age 37) but have always hated the taste -- anyway

I'm guessing he doesn't drink Bud Light.

As for being closer to God when drinking beer -- sorry I don't buy it. You can talk your self into believing that, I did when young (17/18)using another substance but its not true as I found after I actually did become closer to God.

The (however slight) buzz you get from the alcohol removes a slight bit of control over yourself, that small loss of control can let Satan get his foot in the door.

I have drank before my conversion, for the most part socially, and even though you're not getting drunk, even one beer will slightly lower your inhibitions, 2 beers a bit more, three even more, etc.

I see exactly where the OP is coming from with his struggle. (Real) beer can have a profound effect on people. While I don't believe in God myself, I can see how people can have a spiritual connection to beer. It has a rich history spanning thousands of years. Ancient civilizations dedicated gods to it. I've dedicated my life to it. Craft beer is my religion. There's so much more to it than the watered-down soulless products we see on TV.

Jeffmk, you have a difficult decision ahead of you. Being a member in good standing means giving up alcohol. I know that can't be easy. Smoking is even worse. It took me a long time to kick that one, but I'm happy to say I've been smoke-free for a year and a half. It all comes down to how badly you want to change. You have to evaluate your priorities. Is being a member in good standing more important to you than continuing a hobby you enjoy? If the answer is yes, then use that as your motivation. Find another hobby and use it as a distraction. Above all, do what you truly feel is right. If you do something for the wrong reasons, you'll be doomed to fail.

Edited April 10, 2013 by Godless

[mnn727]

Just a thought hobby wise: you can home brew Root Beer too.