How much alcohol is too much?

In this first episode of Good Faith‘s 2025 Reset series, Curtis Chang is joined by author and advocate Ericka Anderson, who is celebrating her own four year milestone of sobriety. Their conversation reflects on the complexities of alcohol dependency, why it might be worth reevaluating your own connection to drinking, and how to support others who may be on their own sobriety journey.

They use a powerful metaphor: comparing a relationship with alcohol to a person: one that is woven into our memories, social moments, and celebrations. This relationship—though often a familiar companion in the good times—can also become a source of grief when we realize it might be time to “break up” with alcohol.

One of the most poignant parts of their discussion revolves around the spiritual aspect of sobriety. They touch on the idea that the still, small voice of the Spirit can easily be drowned out by the clinking of glasses at cocktail hour or even small “buzz,” leaving us disconnected from our deeper calling. If you’ve ever wondered if your life could be better without alcohol, this episode offers a blend of practical insights and gentle encouragement to reflect on that possibility.

Whether you’re considering sobriety for yourself or looking to better understand and support someone else on their journey, this conversation is a must-listen. It’s a thoughtful exploration of personal growth, faith, and the freedom that comes from reevaluating what we allow into our spiritual lives and communities.

This excerpt has been edited for length and clarity.

Ericka Anderson:  The Holy Spirit works through us as people of faith. I sometimes envision that we have an invisible light around us as Christians marching through the world. But the Holy Spirit and the spirits of alcohol are like oil and water – they don’t work together. I truly believe, from my own experience, that the Holy Spirit does not do a good work in me when I’m drinking. It really seems to cancel it out.

I don’t think that we are going to be up to the task of God’s work in the world if we’re drunk. Of course you can drink without getting drunk, but many times even a “buzz” is not great because that your perception is still limited and your guard is still down. You’re not going to be in tune to that supernatural thing that may be happening.