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I have met men, particularly during the agitation that is now manifested against the liquor evil, who have said: "I do not want to be deprived of the privilege of taking a little, if I want it. When I think it is going to do me good, I want to take it."Others, I rather think, would say that the Church is a little too strict in regard to the Word of Wisdom: "A little beer,"they say, "does not harm anyone; a little wine is not injurious."Well, it is sufficient for me to know that God has said, "Wine, strong drink, is not good for man"; and I wish that all members of the Church would accept that divine statement and prove in their lives to the whole world that they accept this as a revelation from God. That is the best way to close saloons in your towns. It is the most effective.
Source: McKay, David O. Selections From the Discourses of David O. McKay: Ninth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1991. 364 - 365.
Using this tool of Satan is especially a sin to all Latter-day Saints who know the law of the Word of Wisdom. Given as a Word of Wisdom and not by commandment in 1833, it was declared a commandment in 1851 by a prophet of God. It should be considered in that light and, if violated, repented of as with other sins of major seriousness. The poison, bad enough itself, is secondary to the disobedience of the commands of God. To know the law and not abide by it, is sin.
Source: Kimball, Spencer W. The Miracle of Forgiveness, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, Inc, 1969. 56.