the bible does not condone drinking alcohol for recreational purposes

My opponent claims that since wine was ONLY drunk because the water was oftentimes unsanitary, then every other passage in the bible referring to drinking is irrelevant. Notice I emphasized ONLY in a sarcastic fashion. While this was a reason people in biblical times drank wine, this was not the only one; people still drank wine to get a buzz, like we do today. While it was not nearly as potent as it is today, wine still had alcohol in it. Also, there are many, MANY verses in the Holy Bible that refer to drinking; here are but a few. "Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do. " Ecclesiastes 9:7 "14 You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth 15 and wine to gladden the heart of man, moil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man"s heart. " Psalm 104:14"15 What God commands Christians regarding alcohol is to avoid drunkenness. "18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18) The Bible condemns drunkenness and its effects. Christians are also commanded to not allow their bodies to be "mastered" by anything "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything. " (1 Corinthians 6:12) They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. (2 Peter 2:19). Drinking alcohol in excess is undeniably addictive. Scripture also forbids a Christian from doing anything that might offend other Christians or encourage them to sin against their conscience. "But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol"s temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble. (1 Corinthians 8:9-13). In light of these principles, it would be extremely difficult for any Christian to say he is drinking alcohol in excess to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Again, Scripture does not forbid Christians from drinking beer, wine, or any other drink containing alcohol. Alcohol is not, in and of itself, tainted by sin. It is drunkenness and addiction to alcohol that a Christian must absolutely refrain from. Alcohol, consumed in small quantities, is neither harmful nor addictive. In fact, some doctors advocate drinking small amounts of red wine for its health benefits, especially for the heart. Consumption of small quantities of alcohol is a matter of Christian freedom. Drunkenness and addiction are sin. However, due to the biblical concerns regarding alcohol and its effects, due to the easy temptation to consume alcohol in excess, and due to the possibility of causing offense and/or stumbling of others, it is often best for a Christian to abstain from drinking alcohol. This does NOT, however, mean that the bible does not allow it.