Why I Believe Alcoholism Should Be Taken Seriously and Why I Don’t Like Hanging Out with Drunk People
By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS
As someone who has experienced many phases in life, from being a strict vegan to a socialist activist, and now living as a Christian conservative within the LDS faith, I’ve come to realize that my views on alcohol are shaped not just by my cultural background but also by the wisdom I’ve gathered over the years. Growing up as a Muslim, alcohol was forbidden. The teachings of Islam were clear on the matter: consuming alcohol was sinful and could lead to corruption of one’s morals. This view, ingrained deeply in me from a young age, shaped my perception of alcohol. Yet, as I moved away from Islam and embraced different ideologies, including being a Democrat and a socialist, I began to see alcohol from a different perspective.
That being said, I’ve come to a balanced view about drinking. I don't care about people drinking alcohol or having a drink every now and then. In fact, I believe in the personal responsibility of individuals to make choices that they feel are best for them. Whether someone enjoys a glass of wine with dinner or a beer while watching the game doesn't bother me. I don't pass judgment on someone who decides to indulge in alcohol moderately, provided they can maintain control of their actions.
However, my perspective on alcoholism—something that has affected many in my family and community—is starkly different. People who are alcoholics should never drink, period. This is where my personal experience and the wisdom I’ve accumulated truly shape my convictions. I’ve witnessed the toll alcohol takes on families, relationships, and individuals' health. It’s not a matter of occasional indulgence; it’s about understanding the addictive nature of alcohol and how it can spiral into destructive patterns.
In my earlier years, I naively believed that everyone had the power to control their drinking. I believed that moderation was the key and that no one would ever allow themselves to fall into the trap of alcoholism. But life has a way of teaching us hard lessons. I have seen people who struggled with addiction—whether it was within my own family or among friends—completely lose control of their lives due to alcohol. Their actions became unpredictable, their relationships fractured, and their health deteriorated. The power that alcohol has over an individual when it’s abused is not something to be taken lightly.
In my journey from being an active leader in CAIR-Columbus and the Muslim Forum of Utah to where I am now as a Christian conservative, I’ve become more attuned to the ways in which society enables addiction. We live in a culture that glorifies alcohol, where commercials, social media, and even entertainment portray drinking as part of the good life. Yet, we often fail to talk about the dangers of alcoholism and the immense pain it brings to individuals and their families.
For me, it’s not just about not drinking—it's about choosing not to surround myself with people who are intoxicated. I don’t like hanging out with drunk people, not because I hold moral superiority, but because I’ve seen firsthand how alcohol clouds judgment, reduces inhibitions, and makes people act in ways they wouldn't otherwise. Drunk people can become belligerent, aggressive, or emotionally unstable. I've had to navigate through many uncomfortable and unsafe situations because people around me couldn’t control their drinking. It’s not fun; it’s not relaxing, and it certainly isn’t conducive to meaningful or respectful social interaction.
As a Christian, I believe that we should all strive to live in a manner that honors our bodies and our relationships with others. Scripture teaches us to "be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess" (Ephesians 5:18). I take this seriously, not only because of my faith but also because of my personal experiences with alcohol’s effects on people’s lives. I don’t believe anyone should allow alcohol to control them, and I believe that those struggling with addiction need our compassion, support, and resources—not enabling behavior.
When I was involved with CAIR-Columbus and the Muslim Forum of Utah, I saw a lot of individuals caught in cycles of substance abuse, often compounded by cultural and social pressures. Some sought solace in alcohol to cope with their struggles, whether it was due to their frustrations with identity, stress from their daily lives, or simply the lack of community support. I’ve come to realize that addiction isn’t just about weakness; it’s about the deeper wounds that we often fail to acknowledge.
In conclusion, while I don’t judge people who drink responsibly, I firmly believe that alcoholics should stay away from alcohol altogether. The risks of falling back into the vicious cycle of addiction are too great. Moreover, I choose not to associate with those who are drunk, as I’ve learned over time that it often leads to unpleasant and unsafe experiences. We should be vigilant in creating environments that support healthy behaviors, not ones that encourage reckless or dangerous choices. I’ve chosen to live a life where my choices honor my values, my family, and my faith—and alcohol doesn’t have a place in that.
Citations:
- Ephesians 5:18, King James Version. Bible Gateway.
- "Alcoholism." National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). https://www.niaaa.nih.gov
- "The Impact of Alcohol on Families." American Addiction Centers. https://www.addictioncenter.com
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