Why do members of The Salvation Army abstain from alcohol?
When William Booth began his Christian movement to help those less fortunate, he personally saw men who were ravaged with alcohol addiction lying under bridges and on streets. They had become homeless after losing family, friends, in many cases jobs, and in all cases, self-respect. Substance abuse crosses all socio-economic backgrounds and accelerates an inevitable downward spiral. This witness provided sufficient cause for The Salvation Army to commit a policy that members should never risk experiencing these devastating problems as a result of alcohol.
