Alcohol is part of the Western culture—it is used in celebrations and socialization, and it enhances religious ceremonies. Most Americans recognize that drinking too much can lead to accidents and dependence.
In the US, drug offenders account for more than one-third of the growth in the state prison population and more than 80% of the increase in the number of federal prison inmates since 1985. More than 75% of domestic violence victims report that their assailant had been drinking or using illicit drugs at the time of the incident. Nearly 4% of pregnant women in the United States use illicit drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy and other amphetamines, and heroin. These and other illicit drugs may pose various risks for pregnant women and their babies. Some of these drugs can cause a baby to be born too small or too soon, or to have withdrawal symptoms, birth defects or learning and behavioral problems. Alcohol abuse increases the risks of cancer. Alcohol shuts down parts of your brain. When the amount of alcohol in your blood exceeds a certain level, your respiratory system slows down markedly, and can cause a coma or death because oxygen no longer reaches the brain. This is referred to as alcohol poisoning. Daily alcohol intake may impact the ability of adults to produce and retain new cells, reducing new brain cell production by nearly 40%. Alcohol abuse can result in brain damage, slower thinking, unsteadiness and slurred speech.[1]
We do know that heavy drinking may have extensive and far–reaching effects on the brain, ranging from simple “slips” in memory to permanent and debilitating conditions that require lifetime custodial care. And even moderate drinking leads to short–term impairment, as shown by extensive research on the impact of drinking on driving.”[2]
Islamic Law prohibits use of drugs and drinking alcohol. Any amount of drugs or alcohol is forbidden to use. Taking even a little wine for social drinking is totally forbidden. Once developed, the habit of drinking in small amounts soon develops into an addiction.
God has forbidden drugs and drinks in the Quran
O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, (sacrificing on) stone alters (to other than God), and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful. Satan only wants to cause between you animosity and hatred through intoxicants and gambling and to avert you from the remembrance of God and from prayer. So will you not desist?
Once a person asked if alcohol can be used as medicine.
The Prophet Muhammad said
It is not a medicine, it is a disease.
references
- Gateway Foundation, http://recovergateway.org
- http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publ...