In Vino Veritas

Edward Slingerland praises the inhibition-lowering quality of alcohol, saying it eases interpersonal connection and boosts creative thinking. He ignores the many harmful effects of alcohol-induced disinhibition, from drunk driving and brawls to domestic violence and date rape. Sometimes inhibitions save lives.

I was angry to the point of ending my subscription after reading Derek Askey’s interview with Edward Slingerland [“In Vino Veritas,” July 2022] about our society’s historical and current relationship with alcohol. Comparing the high people get from alcohol to that of religion and prayer is extremely offensive. Though Slingerland eventually addresses the destruction that alcohol can cause, he does so only after arguing that drinking alcohol together can create a sense of trust and bonding among people.

I grew up in a Mennonite community with family and friends who did not drink, and I have continued to abstain from alcohol throughout my life. This has not impeded my ability to develop trusting relationships or dampened my sense of wonder. I thank God every day that I was not exposed to the dangers of alcohol early in life.

I question Edward Slingerland’s view of alcohol’s benefits, including helping us form relationships and lessening our inhibitions. I started drinking at sixteen and used alcohol to ease my social discomfort. When my first husband left me, I was heartbroken and decided to quit drinking.

I was nervous before the first party I attended as a nondrinker. I knew only the person who had invited me, and I worried I would be a boring wallflower, gripping my water, afraid to talk to people. I needn’t have worried. I had a fantastic time. For fifteen years I’d thought it was alcohol that enabled me to be outgoing, funny, and likable. But I realized: that was me. I knew then that I would never get drunk again.

More than thirty-five sober years later, I’m grateful that I had the strength to stop drinking and learn to develop relationships without relying on alcohol.

I agree with Edward Slingerland that the social aspect of in-person Alcoholics Anonymous meetings is the most healing part of the program. And I, too, have found the importance of tangible pleasures in our increasingly virtual world. Slingerland lists food, nature, and art. I would add reading books — physical, touchable books — and The Sun.