what are mormon kids told about alcohol?
ok. so my friend recently tried to convince me that alcohol is chemically addictive. i know that it's not but it showed me that he has been sorely misinformed by his parents and his church, the LDS. i was wondering if any other mormons could explain why alcohol is prohibited and what is chemically and physically addictive about it. And i know mormons say jesus drank grape juice, but why does the bible say it's dangerous to drink too much grape juice? I patiently await answers.
let me correct myself. it can be addictive if it is abused. yet this is still a psychological addiction. and no one has told me what chemicals are put into alcohol to actually make you addicted. plus what about the health benefits of consuming it in moderation? hell everything is dangerous if you eat too much of it
well….i'm not surprised i guess i walked into this one. asking a bunch of mormons about something they feel so strongly about. but don't try to deny there is nothing wrong with responsible adults drinking a glass of wine with dinner.
alright then explain the millions of other people in the world who drink alcohol and aren't addicted
ANYTHING can be addictive! I know people addicted to Mountain Dew, food, sex, yahoo answers, myspace. Alcohol CAN be bad for you if over-used, but so can green jell-o! Alchohol can be GOOD for you if you used in moderation: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/talking_point/1494043.stm
http://www.health.com/health/article/0,23414,1689637,00.html
November 15 2008 06:54 pm | Bible Juice
33 Responses to “what are mormon kids told about alcohol?”
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thunderthighs mcgee on 16 Nov 2008 at 12:15 am #
alcohol is chemically addictive…. ever hear of alcoholism?
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Ryan N on 16 Nov 2008 at 12:26 am #
First of all. Your friend is right. If you don't believe us, then go walk inside any AA meeting in the world, or any bar and watch people waste away addicted to alcohol.
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butterfliesRfree on 16 Nov 2008 at 12:50 am #
What do you mean? Alcohol IS addictive…………there's a lot of alcoholism in my family.
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Kasabian on 16 Nov 2008 at 1:40 am #
IT IS ADDICTIVE! :S
What he told you is completely and absolutely true, my friend.
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matt on 16 Nov 2008 at 2:13 am #
Yeah, alcohol is addictive. thats why you detox if you try to quit after you've been an alcoholic.
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Meg on 16 Nov 2008 at 2:52 am #
Alcohol is addictive if it is abused. I'm not mormon but have lived in Utah all of the my and have gone church with my LDS friends. They just say that alcohol isn't a good thing to get into.
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Anthony M on 16 Nov 2008 at 3:31 am #
because religion is, among other things, a from of mind control. it tells you what to think, what not to think, what to say, and what not to say. Why do you think SO MANY Christians are totally ignorant in matters of evolution? well, the church says it is bad, so the congregation automatically write it off as non-sense. religion kills important urges for truth and the ability to question orthodoxy in general.
And for everyone talking about Alcohol's addictive qualities, just know that studies show it depends WAY more on the reasons for using ANY controlled substance then the substance itself when discussing addiction. If you use ANY drug to "run away from problems" as apposed to "wanting to have a good time" you could get addicted to: t.v., eating, working out, or even RELIGION.
References :
The God Delusion- Richard Dawkins
Zietgiest Movie
The Jesus Papers
Misquoting Jesus
Andrew L on 16 Nov 2008 at 3:55 am #
Sheesh I hope this isn't a troll.
Alcohol is addictive, both physically(chemically) and mentally. I don't think anyone has ever tried to deny this. Millions of people around the world are addicted to alcohol….thats why organisations like Alcoholics Anonymous exist. By the way, I drink (and am irish) and so am in no way biased.Thats just how things are.
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The Substitute Person on 16 Nov 2008 at 4:12 am #
alcohol is a drug- it alters one's natural state which is why it's prohibited. It is addictive (see first answer and think AA and lindsay lohan among others). People say wine has health benefits- antioxidants, but these are present in grape juice, so why the need for the fermentation process if not to get drunk? nope- it's harmful to the body- liver disease kills.
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I'm LDS and I used to drink, so not biased- i've been on both sides of the fence
aarrgghh on 16 Nov 2008 at 4:23 am #
not to drink 'em.
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notacatapiller on 16 Nov 2008 at 4:29 am #
Latter Day Saints are taught to respect their bodies and treat them like a temple. This is why they teach their members to eat a healthy diet and avoid smoking and alcohol.
And for the record alcohol is chemically addictive. A night of binge drinking changes the brain chemistry for up to 6 months.
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Azire on 16 Nov 2008 at 4:58 am #
Its Not Chemically Addictive. It Has Been Proven That Alcohalism Is Infact More Of A Mental Addiction Than Physical. People Might Come Back With Withdrawl Symptoms But It Is Clear That If You Becomes Accustomed To Anything That You Will Face Withdrawls Of Some Sort. Missing A Child That Has Moved Out To Go To Collage Can Be Used As An Example. You Have Become So Used To Having Your Son/Daughter In Your Life And In Your House That You Can Physically Hurt From Them Moving Away.
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blazermaniac27 on 16 Nov 2008 at 5:32 am #
alcohol is chemically addictive, i learned that in 9th grade science, as well there are many harmful side effects to alcohol, it does not specifically name alcohol in the Word of Wisdom, as well the Word of Wisdom is a guideline it also says not to eat too much meat, and to eat a balancded diet. as well is says tabacoo is harmfull and meant to treat wounds, but the biggest reason no to drink alcohol is we loose the presence of the Holy Ghost when we (people) are under the influence of any drug or alcohol, and it is part of living a higher law.
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Truth_plain_and_simple on 16 Nov 2008 at 6:05 am #
I would say it mostly depends on what the parents told their children about alcohol. Mine personally told me it was bad for me and talked about stories of how they had known someone who drank too much and how bad they were and threatened that if I drank I would end up the same way. I personally enjoy a drink now days. Oh yeah no longer Mormon. .. The Mormons sure don't use alcohol for their relaxation or mood change. But Utah is the #1 Prozac consumer in all of the world. At least they use something.
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Ronnie B T on 16 Nov 2008 at 6:49 am #
I don't know where you have been ?????? Alcohol is addictive or there wouldn't be an AAA. Many people are addicted to alcohol for life. Alcohol kills people do to drunk drivers. There really isn't much good to say about what alcohol has done to society. People doing things they wouldn't have done without a drink, such as having an adultress relationship.
Bars are a great place to pick some one up for sex. I guess you think all this is good. Wine in their days was unferminted, or slightly fermented grape juice.
Actually in the early days of the church, The word of wisdom was simply a word of wisdom. I think women and some men complained about chewing tobacco in the temple and spitoons, and so the church voted on making it a commandment. It was a word of wisdom, when Our Father gave it to Joseph Smith. It included Alchohol, Tobacco, tea and coffee. All Addictive drinks. Tea and coffee being the least harmfull. It is a good law. I enjoy it. I have never woke up with a hangover in my life. I don't miss it at all. None of my children have ever killed anyone with a car, because they were drunk.
I had a MRI on my brain because of a restriction in the blood supply. I was about 63 years old at the time. The Young Man looked at my brain picture, and said, you don't smoke or drink do you? I said no, I never have. I said, I know, because you have a healthy brain, it has not been shrunk by the effects of large amounts of alcohol or Nicotene.
Yeh for the Word of Wisdom. Booo for addiction, My X was addicted to Pepsi. She grew very large drinking a 6 pack a day. She couldn't leave them alone. I could, because I never started. Boo on Caffein addiction.
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Tubester on 16 Nov 2008 at 7:18 am #
Alcohol IS chemically addicted. My grandpa and my uncle drank, and they were both addicted. I don't know what you've been told about it not being addicted, but it's wrong.
And the Bible says that Jesus drank wine, not grape juice. At the wedding at Canaan, he changed the water into wine.
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phrog on 16 Nov 2008 at 8:08 am #
LDS are taught to abstain from all alcohol as it is addicting and harmful. Any research will show you that. You can look into the LDs word of wisdom for more info.
Some christians (not just mormons) think the whole 'grape juice' thing because of the time involved for the grape to ferment vs the time between making and drinking in scriptural reference. It's not something the LDS believe - it's just a speulative idea some have.
edit: Study: Even one drink can be dangerous
http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Science/2006/06/30/study_even_one_drink_can_be_dangerous/1132/
Alcohol causes addiction because it creates a dependence syndrome on the part of the drinker, caused by a group of behavioral, physiological and cognitive phenomena. The fact that alcohol creates physical withdrawal symptoms — which can range from the mildly annoying to severe and even life-threatening would indicate a lot of physical dependance.
And FYI - the WoW for the LDS is just a good idea for general health. They call it a commandment with a promise - do this stuff and enjoy good health. Through the years it has been proven to be upheld as sound advice by scientific findings.
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gumby on 16 Nov 2008 at 8:33 am #
This is from the mayo clinic. It says alcohol is a physical addiction.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/alcoholism/DS00340/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print
My kids are too young to talk about it much. The oldest has had a little of the "drugs are bad" in kindergarden. They also have an uncle who is an alcoholic who has been homeless because of it. When the topic comes up, I just say that it's not good for our bodies or our minds.
I just wanted to add something. I think our issue alcohol isn't a health thing. It's more of an accountability thing. When you drink (even just one) you choose to lower your inhibitions (even if it's just a little). You might make choices that you wouldn't if you were sober. But since you chose to drink, you are accountable for those choices. We've all heard the phrase "drunken mistake". I knew several people in high school who lost their virginity while they were drunk and really regreted it later. I also have a brother who has the most messed up tattoo ever because he got it when he was drunk and kept telling the tattoo artist to add random stuff. I've never heard anyone say they make wise choices when drunk. So regardless of the alleged heart benefits (which I figure since I run daily and eat very healthy I can do without them) I'd rather have my mind and my senses fully intact.
And BTW, a good chunk of these answerers are NOT LDS. So don't blame the answers on that. Perhaps you should do a little reading about the effects of alcohol. I'd say start with why alcoholics need detox.
EDIT: To answer your last question, I'm thinking you don't understand chemical/physical addictions. It deals with brain chemistry. We're not all wired the same.
I'm also guessing you're not one to admit when you're wrong. I feel sorry for your friend.
References :
LDS (Mormon) AND Christian
Senator John McClain on 16 Nov 2008 at 9:13 am #
No chemicals are put into alcohol. Alcohol is the chemical. It can be physically and psychologically addicting.
And since Mormons on average tend to live longer than other groups, I think we're OK without the benefits
Edit: As far as I know, there are very few things that are 100% addicting. Look at alcohol like coffee or caffeine. Millions of people drink that and if they stopped they might have some headaches, but it wouldn't be much of a problem. Caffeine, alcohol, nicotine are all addictive substances. People have different tolerances, but if any are used frequently enough, a dependence will be developed. I've even met people who get intense migraines if they go too long without a Pepsi or Coke. It seems that alcohol usually requires more frequency or amounts to become habit forming.
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mormon therefore christian on 16 Nov 2008 at 9:30 am #
actually in the book of mormon the lamanites were cursed with an easy addiction to alcohol. my brother-in-law is 25% indian and he knows that for native americans it is extremely hard to get off of alcohol. i'm pretty sure that the grape juice you say was just grape juice. the grape juice they made back then was different from today's. alcohol is just very addicting. if you have one cup, you have 10
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marcia19572002 on 16 Nov 2008 at 10:09 am #
some people can have a glass of wine with dinner and others have a gene that makes them addicted with just one swallow.
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palmermom3 on 16 Nov 2008 at 10:43 am #
I have experience with both sides.My parents told me about their experiences with alcohol. Mom didn't have much to say…Dad just told me about the many many hangovers that he experienced. When I was 15 I turned to alcohol to try and take away the deep pain I felt after my rape. By the time I was 18 I was waking up in the morning craving a shot of Vodka. I do not know what it is about the alcohol that makes it addictive…I just know it is. Mormons believe that strong drinks are not to be drunk because they cause damage to the body. At 34 years old I am now waiting for a new liver….mostly because drinking aggravated a condition that I did not know I had. I have children of my own now and I have told them my experiences of my drinking days. I show them the medications that I take because of it. I teach them what God has told us about alcohol and other strong drinks. In the long run I just hope that they will make good healthy choices. I know I wish I had.
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guitarpicker56 on 16 Nov 2008 at 11:27 am #
Alcohol consumption is most often the cause of ruined families and broken homes. The key that we Mormons follow in abstaining from alcohol is found in the Doctrine & Covenants, Section 89. Nothing more needs to be explained or elaborated upon because the Lord has told us to abstain from certain things–alcohol being among the four items listed.
People can argue and debate about the ills and benefits of drinking alcohol until the letters fall off a sign post. The bottom line is this: Section 89 of the D & C says to avoid such detrimental harmful substances and that is all we need to know.
Subject closed.
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LDS
Gina @ Sand Castle Alapahas on 16 Nov 2008 at 12:16 pm #
Alcohol is BOTH physically and mentally addictive. Sorry, but you are the one that has been misinformed. That is why people who try to quit go thru detox. And trust me if you have ever seen an alcoholic go thru this you would have no doubt about it. I have seen it first hand and it isn't pleasant. As for what LDS are told about it, all I have ever heard is that it's unhealthy for you and should be avoided. Most LDS live by the word of wisdom and do avoid it as well as other unhealthy things, like tobacco and caffeine. Remember too that the wine that is spoken about in the bible is very different from the wine we have now. It was naturally fermented and not chemically enhanced as it is today. Hope that clears it up some.
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Ace on 16 Nov 2008 at 12:32 pm #
All things in moderation. You can look up what LDS parents should be teaching their children in section 89 of the D&C.
My parents on the other hand were addicted to alcohol and I was stealing whiskey from them at age 5.
What kind of a role model would you want to be to your kids?
3 hospital stays, 3 divorces, 1 jail sentance and 30 years later I grew up and took responsability.
I wouldn't recomend it to anyone.
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Life long RECOVERING alcoholic
caldwemj on 16 Nov 2008 at 1:17 pm #
I am sorry but you are the one who has been misinformed. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and as such that is in the same family of drugs as Barbiturates. Just look it up on the Internet, there are plenty of of sites that explain the addictive nature of alcohol.
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andra130 on 16 Nov 2008 at 2:05 pm #
ANYTHING can be addictive! I know people addicted to Mountain Dew, food, sex, yahoo answers, myspace. Alcohol CAN be bad for you if over-used, but so can green jell-o! Alchohol can be GOOD for you if you used in moderation: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/talking_point/1494043.stm
http://www.health.com/health/article/0,23414,1689637,00.html
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Isolde on 16 Nov 2008 at 2:32 pm #
The main thing is Mormon kids are told about alcohol. They are told it will harm them. They are given an example, if they chose to follow their parents. What happens in secular families? The kids are not told anything. It is left for them to decide. They may even be given sips from their parents. When they go to college, they have a four year party. Some mature out of it, others don't.
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gusgus on 16 Nov 2008 at 3:11 pm #
Well, let me put it this way. You could eat a healthy breakfast with a lump of dog poop mixed in and get the benefits of the good food, and maybe even some essential minerals from the fecal matter. The fact is that we have access to better forms of refreshment and hydration which are less damaging to the body, and still provide the benefits needed for life.
The crux of the matter is taking care of what God has given us, and also controlling appetite and most certainly avoiding things that so easily plague the rest of society with tragic consequences.
All laws and commandments are based on the two great commands that Jesus pointed out to the conniving Pharisees. The first was to love God with all your sole, and the second to love your neighbor as yourself.
When those two laws are truly followed, a righteous balance in every aspect of life will surely come about. Thus keeping you from drinking too much grape juice, or doing anything in such excess as to harm body or spirit.
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Pinkadot on 16 Nov 2008 at 3:16 pm #
We learn from revelation in the scriptures that:
D&C 89: 5, 7
5 That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him.
• • •
7 And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly…
Our eating and drinking guideline is called the Word of Wisdom. We are taught to avoid anything that can be addictive…alcohol and smoking/drugs are of course the biggies, caffeine can also be addictive but there is no official doctrine so members just use their best judgement for that. Pretty much anything can be addicting IF you let it be. We have faith that the Lord knows what is best for us so His guidelines should be our guidelines.
I personally think that drinking is dangerous because it can also lead to other things that maybe a person would not have done if they were not intoxicated.
My dad was a big drinker, an alcoholic? I don't know. I do know I hated it. He also is not a member of the church.
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CTR
hibby76 on 16 Nov 2008 at 3:27 pm #
What comes of alcohol?
How many unhappy families exist because of it?
How many alcoholics are there?
How much financial trouble exists because of it?
How many people are killed because of it?
How many people make really poor decision because of it (sex, driving, drugs, Darwin award recipients, etc).
How many health problems (cirrosis, etc).
The fact is that if you have 10,000 people that DO drink it and compare it to 10,000 people who have NEVER drinken it, the first group will have certain problems that the second one won't.
We have a loving heavenly father that cares about our health. He has told us of things that we should avoid because we'll be happier as a result. BYU is a VERY fun university, however, there is virtually no alcohol. Conversely, most people eventually agree that sitting around drinking every weekend isn't all that fun.
We have a commandment from the Lord's prophet that says "Thou shalt not drink alcohol". What more do we need? To us, we believe that this is the will of our Lord and our Saviour. We honor him by obeying this commandment.
I agree, that you can live a long happy life even if you drink an occasional cup of wine, however, for us to do so would be to blatantly disregard a commandment from the Lords prophet.
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TMFHS Girl on 16 Nov 2008 at 3:36 pm #
Alcohol is an addictive, mind-altering substance. It also destroys the liver which is necessary for life. (Without a liver, you die.) This is what I was taught in a VERY strict LDS home.
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7 of 9 on 16 Nov 2008 at 3:47 pm #
Ever hear of functioning alcoholics, I once knew a reservist that tried to convince everyoen, he had a toothache and had to drink mouth wash during drills to calm his toothache down, he was getting drunk of the mouthwash while on duty.
If you put alcohol in a babies bottle and they are prone to alcohol, they will become addicted to it, from the bottle.
The minute a person drinks alcohol (who will become an alcoholic) drinks the stuff, he is addicticted to it and can never drink the stuff ever again, if he can get Himself or herself off of it.
The rest of us who are nto alcoholics are just plain lucky.
Jesus drank wine back then because the water was contaminated and they had no water cleaning system like we do today, they bathed in the ame water they drank from, probably…
Jesus just said getting drunk was a sin.
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