Leader Formation

Drugs & Addiction

Difficult Topics

The Church does have solid reasons for teaching that all recreational drug use is wrong, indeed gravely so. Moreover, this moral teaching is not based on faith alone but on natural law. It is not just implicit in Revelation but demonstrable on purely rational grounds. Clearing away confusion and false equivalencies (one drink of alcohol is the same as one joint to get high, for example) is essential, and the material listed below does good work at addressing these popular social values about recreational drug use.

Paradoxically, though, the Church’s counter-cultural condemnation of drugs may become more compelling in the years ahead. Not only does an ever-growing amount of research confirm that “soft drugs” do serious harm to people’s health. More people are experiencing first-hand the havoc they wreak.

Top Recommendations on Drugs & Addiction

Catholic Church Teaching

Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed., 2000)

The Catechism offers a comprehensive treatment of the Church's teaching and touches upon every facet of the Christian faith. This work is divided into four main sections: the profession of faith (the Creed), the celebration of the Christian mystery (the Liturgy), life in Christ (the moral life), and Christian prayer. References to drug abuse and addiction in the Catechism include:

  • Respect for Health
    • 2288: Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them, considering the needs of others and the common good. (§1503; §1509) Concern for the health of its citizens requires that society help them attain living conditions that allow them to grow and reach maturity: food and clothing, housing, health care, primary education, employment, and social assistance.
    • 2289: If morality requires respect for the life of the body, it does not make it an absolute value. It rejects a neo-pagan notion that tends to promote the cult of the body, to sacrifice everything for its sake, to idolize physical perfection and success at sports. By its selective preference of the strong over the weak, such a conception can lead to the perversion of human relationships. (§364; §2113)
    • 2290: The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine. Those incur grave guilt who endanger their own and others' safety on the road, at sea, or in the air by drunkenness or a love of speed. (§1809)
    • 2291: The use of drugs inflicts very grave damage on human health and life. Their use, except on strictly therapeutic grounds, is a grave offense. Clandestine production of and trafficking in drugs are scandalous practices. They constitute direct cooperation in evil since they encourage people to practice gravely contrary to the moral law.

Pontifical Council for Health and Pastoral Care: Church: Drugs and Drug Addiction: A Pastoral Handbook

Chapter 1. Libreria Editrice Vaticana, digital edition 2002 by Le Nouvel Esprit.

Address of His Holiness Pope Francis to Participants in the International Conference on "Drugs and Addictions: An Obstacle to Integral Human Development"

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Catholic Church Teaching

USCCB Resources

"Wash Me Thoroughly": Healing from Pornography Use and Addiction

Pornography use has become increasingly common and can cause serious harm to individuals and relationships. This resource provides guidance on understanding the impact of pornography addiction, the steps towards healing, and the role of faith and community support in recovery. It emphasizes the importance of compassion, accountability, and the transformative power of God’s grace in overcoming this addiction.

Introductory Note to Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship

This resource offers a framework for understanding and applying the principles of Catholic social teaching to the political and social issues of our time. It stresses the importance of an informed conscience, active participation in civic life, and the need to uphold human dignity and the common good in all political decisions. The note encourages Catholics to engage thoughtfully and responsibly in the political process, guided by their faith and moral principles.

Letter to Congress on Principles for Protecting Children Online, June 6, 2023

This letter addresses the urgent need for legislation and policies to protect children from the dangers of online exploitation, cyberbullying, and exposure to harmful content. It outlines key principles for safeguarding children's online experiences, including the responsibility of technology companies, the importance of parental controls, and the role of education in promoting safe internet use. The letter calls for comprehensive and proactive measures to ensure a safe digital environment for all children.

Help for Those Struggling with Pornography

This resource provides practical advice and spiritual support for individuals struggling with pornography addiction. It highlights the destructive effects of pornography on personal well-being, relationships, and society. The guide includes steps for breaking free from addiction, the importance of accountability, and the role of prayer and sacramental life in the healing process. It also offers resources for families and communities to support those affected by pornography use.

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USCCB Resources

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