I also desire that you should encourage the use by members of sattvika (pure) food and the avoidance of intoxicating drinks. It is demeaning the high role of man; it is pitiable to see a man under the influence of drink. Do not put tender minds on the path which leads to moral and physical tragedy. Drink milk or yogurt; eat fruits and nuts. They generate constructive, virtuous spiritual thoughts. (SSS Vol.7, p. 412)

By moderating and modulating habits of eating and drinking, one can lay the foundation for spiritual life. One must prefer Sattvika to Rajasika foods. By drinking intoxicating stuff, one loses control over the emotions and passions, the impulses and instincts, the speech and movements, and one even descends to the level of beasts. By eating flesh one develops violent tendencies and animal diseases. The mind becomes more intractable when one indulges in Rajasika food; it can never be remoulded if Tamasika food is consumed with relish. To dwell in Rama tattva (Rama principle) constantly, one has to be vigilant about food and drink consumed by both body and mind. (SSS Vol.5, p. 106)

Drinking is such an evil and pernicious habit, that when man puts the bottle in his mouth he himself gets into the bottle and cannot escape from it! First, man drinks wine, then the wine drinks man himself!

He is thus sunk and drowned in drink. Liquor destroys the human qualities in man. How then can he get a chance to develop the Divinity in him? One should dance in Divine Bliss; instead, sensual dance is indulged in, as a deleterious substitute! Make your heart pure, your activities holy and your feelings beneficial to all.(UD, pp. V-II)