Supporters support drowning in drinks (8)
I believe the answer is:
apostles
'supporters' is the definition.
(apostle is a kind of supporter)
'support drowning in drinks' is the wordplay.
'support' becomes 'post' (post is a kind of support).
'drowning in' indicates putting letters inside.
'drinks' becomes 'ales' (ale is a kind of drink).
'post' inserted inside 'ales' is 'APOSTLES'.
(Other definitions for apostles that I've seen before include "Followers or faith teachers - the Gospels name 12" , "Evangelists" , "Early Christians" , "Followers of Jesus" , "Jesus's disciples" .)