(ZENIT News – Porta Luz / Santiago, 11.12.2026).- To be able to face each day, German priest Thorsten Weßling used to drink spirits as early as the morning. Today, he helps other priests.
He loved beer, spirits, and sherry. For a long time, he refused to admit his addiction. His former parish priest — as he tells Katholisch.de –helped him to be honest with himself. Today, Father Thorsten Weßling helps other priests and men religious who suffer from addictions.
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Q: Father Weßling, how old were you when you realized you were an alcoholic?
A: I fell into addiction at the age of 17 or 18. I drank regularly and heavily at family celebrations and parties. To me, that was just part of social life. As for my health, I didn’t have any problems. After finishing high school, I went to Münster to study Theology. I loved beer, spirits, and sherry. In 1991, I was ordained a priest in Münster and arrived in Ibbenbüren as a chaplain. I was 29 years old at the time.
Q: Did no one notice back then that you were drinking too much?
A: Yes, surely others noticed what I myself was unwilling to admit. My primary care physician had pointed it out on occasion; when performing blood tests, he would ask, «Father, is it possible that you are drinking too much?» I denied everything. But by then, I already needed a certain amount of alcohol just to function. To be able to stand beside an open grave at a funeral, I would often consume half a liter of spirits with breakfast. That was not normal. I never would have admitted it, but eventually, I realized the truth because of the state of my health. I felt physically shattered, and emotionally, I was at my breaking point. My doctor had already warned me. It was clear that I had to stop. Outwardly, I claimed I wasn’t drinking anymore, but I continued to do so in secret. I was constantly preoccupied with how to obtain alcohol and how to get rid of the empty bottles. I would often drive for miles and miles just to throw them into a dumpster. The pastor of my parish at the time gave me the push I needed to do something about it.
Q: What happened?
A: We lived together in the Rectory. One day, he noticed that the bottles in his private bar were becoming increasingly empty. He then confronted the entire household with this accusation, which forced me to respond. Not wanting others to be blamed for my alcohol consumption, I spoke to him about my addiction. He offered to postpone his retirement, which had already been delayed, on the condition that I undergo therapy. After many years of being unable to admit that I had a problem with alcohol, I was finally ready to do so.
Q: Was that what saved you, the fact that you spoke openly about it?
A: Yes. I had been struggling with addiction for 17 years before I began therapy. Just a few days earlier, I had been celebrating my birthday; shortly after, I spent three weeks with a priest who also suffered from the same addiction and who worked with other clergy members struggling with addiction. It was a difficult period, as I had already begun to abstain under his supervision and had to contend with the challenges that come with abstinence. Afterward, I underwent a six-week detoxification program at the Höstel addiction clinic. I still work at that hospital today as a chaplain. When I was discharged from the clinic, I knew for certain that I had to live in abstinence from then on. However, I had no intention of speaking openly about my addiction. Yet, that very same day, I was scheduled to celebrate Mass at my parish. I stepped up to the pulpit, intending to deliver the sermon I had prepared, but when I stood before the congregation, I said: «Friends, you know where I have been — in treatment for addiction. I am an alcoholic, and I am now striving to live in abstinence. Please, help me in this.» The people applauded. Making my alcohol addiction public made my life much easier. At weddings, baptisms, or other events, people would offer me a Coca-Cola instead of a beer, without me even having to ask. Gradually, I began taking on responsibilities in the realm of spiritual care and counseling for individuals struggling with addiction.
Q: How do you handle things when you celebrate Mass with the community?
A: Priests struggling with addiction may celebrate Mass using grape juice; the Church provides an exception for this, similar to the one for gluten-free hosts. I purchase my grape juice from a distillery, as it contains no chemical additives. I always carry it with me.
Q: But aren’t priests generally required to consume sacramental wine at every Mass?
A: Yes, for us priests, wine is essentially a «tool of the trade.» As a priest, you celebrate Mass every single day, and that involves wine. Although the amount a priest must consume during Communion is small, it is still alcohol, and it can lead to addiction. The risk of a priest developing an alcohol addiction is very high. I know many priests who suffer from such an addiction. Often, the addiction is masked by other mental health issues, such as depression or burnout, which are more socially acceptable. That said, I don’t want to demonize anything. Many people are able to enjoy alcohol in moderation and know their own limits. I wouldn’t want those around me to stop drinking just because I choose to live an abstinent life.
Q: Members of Religious Orders in Bavaria have told me that beer is considered a «staple food.» What is your take on that?
A: Yes, I know. In many Religious Orders, beer is a standard part of certain meals. Those struggling with addiction find it difficult to say no, as it is woven into the fabric of community life. My addiction counseling center is visited by priests, pastoral assistants, and many members of Religious Orders, both men and women. However, those in religious life face a harder path, as they often endure mockery and criticism regarding their alcohol addiction. They share that returning to their community after completing therapy is a major challenge; hardly anyone takes their situation into account. One friar told me that, in his monastery, it was customary for all the Brothers to have a beer in the evening while watching television. Even though he had just returned from therapy, no one gave up their beer for his sake. Yet, such consideration is essential. Everyone ought to be more cautious when it comes to alcohol. Furthermore, the shops within convents and monasteries are often stocked with products that contain alcohol. I’ve also observed that when priests celebrate Mass together, sharing the chalice during Communion, those who cannot consume alcohol have to step back. I know some who feel so ashamed that they pretend to drink from the chalice, taking only a tiny, symbolic sip. It is therefore understandable why someone might be reluctant to admit to an addiction, choosing instead to deny or downplay it. I try to encourage those affected to speak openly about their illness.
Q: If you notice that someone is drinking too much, should you bring it up to them?
A: Yes, but without causing offense or blaming the other person, rather, by stating an objective observation: «I see that you are under the influence of alcohol.» Naturally, the other person will likely become defensive and deny it. Denial and lying are typical behaviors of someone struggling with an addiction, who wants to continue consuming the substance at all costs. Nevertheless, it is necessary to address the issue, as any other approach only allows the disease to take deeper root and the situation to worsen. Furthermore, the affected individual must be willing to make changes to their circumstances; without that, nothing can be done. In recent years, there have been significant advancements in the field of addiction counseling, not only within Caritas organizations but also at the diocesan level, for priests, members of Religious Orders, and church staff. In some instances, there are specific guidelines regarding addictions, and self-help groups exist where those affected can share their experiences. Additionally, there are recommendations for Church-run retreat centers to avoid using alcohol in food preparation and to ensure that non-alcoholic beverages are available at official events. In this regard, the situation has improved considerably.
Q: And what about you? Do you still struggle with an addiction?
A: I haven’t had a drink in 30 years. At the same time, however, I must make it clear that someone who has suffered from an addiction continues to suffer from it. There is no cure for alcohol addiction; I can only manage it by living a life of total abstinence. Time and again, I realize how difficult it is to get water instead of sparkling wine at official events. At conference centers, a lot of cooking is done with alcohol, even the desserts contain it. People often downplay it, saying, «Go ahead, it’s only a little bit of alcohol.» I try not to fall into that «it doesn’t matter» mindset, because even a small amount affects me. The next step might be increasing the dose, and before you know it, there’s beer back on the table. The risk is always very high. But I know myself, I know my weaknesses, and I know exactly where things could become critical for me.
