Every year, Neshamos shares a message with our community:
Please don’t pressure me to drink.
For some of us, it isn’t about fun. It isn’t about celebration.
It can be a matter of life and death.
In a world that is finally becoming more aware of mental health, we must also become more aware of invisible struggles. There are people among us who cannot drink in moderation. For them, one drink does not stay one. One moment can unravel months — even years — of hard work, healing, and rebuilding.
Some carry private battles. Some are protecting fragile recovery. Some are choosing sobriety to stay safe, steady, and alive.
You may not see their struggle.
You may not know their story.
But your pressure can hurt more than you realize.
This year, let’s choose compassion over assumption.
Let’s choose sensitivity over social pressure.
Let’s choose life.
Please do you — and allow others the dignity and safety to do what they need to do for themselves.
Because sometimes, the strongest person in the room is the one quietly holding a cup of water.
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A heart issue can become dangerous under alcohol.
You have no idea who has what.
Some psychological drugs dont work well with alcohol taking alcohol can sometimes setoff a mental illness episode… not worth it…
Also, you can have no health issues at all and not want to drink. You don’t owe anyone an explanation.
Let people choose which mitzvah they want to be mehudar in. Drinking should never be encouraged, or pressurized. Excellent, important reminder/article – to Rebbeim and bochurim shluchim as well!!!!
Stay smart, stay safe, stay sober!
Would you pressure someone with a severe peanut allergy to enjoy some peanut butter?
Great post, but please do not tey to imply that people who do not drink have severe mental illness. Some people’s bodies react negatively to alcohol.
Would you infer that someone with a peanut allergy is going through a mental health crisis?