Do we need alcohol at Christian festivals? I’m saying a big fat ‘no’

Journalist and recovering alcoholic Lauren Windle shares her experiences of being around drinking at Christian events.

I don’t drink alcohol. Not because I don’t like the taste, or because I’m pregnant or on antibiotics or just like to drive. But because I’m an alcoholic in recovery. I’ve now been clean and sober for more than nine years and have been Christian for the same amount of time.

There are many challenges to being in recovery, particularly as our society is very booze-centred, with all celebrating and commiserating done with glass in hand. Being surrounded by alcohol is just a fact of life. If I, as a recovering alcoholic, didn’t want to be in its presence I would have to forgo virtually all social events, restaurants, bars, pubs and parties. It’s not impossible but it would make other elements of my life very difficult, like seeing my friends.