I agree that if one is drinking all the time it could hinder their spiritual side.... But I wonder if that is more of the addiction part to it. For I have a friend that does drink, and enjoys the drink. However, he is also a devout Buddhist who meditates constantly. And is at his temple once a week. So I don't know how much drinking impairs his meditation, or spiritual side.
It seems that cut and dry answers just can't fit every situation. That it is what makes this creation so amazing. Just about the time you start thinking you have the answers, new variables enter the picture to challenge your assumptions, attitudes and perceptions.
