Father Carapi on addiction

[Trad_Julia]

Hi all:

I was listening to Father Carapi’s sermon on addiction yesterday, and though I agree with his assertion that this is a disease perpetrated by the Devil, I’m not sure I can agree that every drug in existence which has addictive properties was originally created (or can be potentially used for) a noble purpose. He made the point that cocaine was used in risky eye surgery as an anesthetic, which in itself is good, but can the same be said of other substances which, say, alter perception? I don’t see how any of the psychedelics can be put to a good end, for instance, but what are your thoughts on this matter? Am I simply misinterpreting Father’s words and ideas?

 

[ababbidg]

Some psychedellics (psylocybin mushrooms i think) have been shown to have extrememly positive anti-depressive effects. Coca leaves are often used in Chile to help combat altitude sickness (even JPII drank a tea made from coca leaves upon arriving in Chile). I’m sure the same can be said for any number of drugs. Its all about proper usage, and perhaps finding ways to isolate the drugs in a way that you get more positive and less of the negative side effects of drugs.

 

[06convert]

Like ababbidg said, it’s all about how the drugs are used. If they are used to help out a particular medical condition they might not be bad, but if they are used recreational or for pleasure, then they are bad.

Medically there is the responsiblity to use the best solution for the illness. You don’t use a drug that impairs you if there is an alternative that works without the impairness.

The issue with addiction is that it puts your focus on the next “high” instead of on God.

 

[Drawmack]

Like ababbidg said, it’s all about how the drugs are used. If they are used to help out a particular medical condition they might not be bad, but if they are used recreational or for pleasure, then they are bad.

Medically there is the responsiblity to use the best solution for the illness. You don’t use a drug that impairs you if there is an alternative that works without the impairness.

The issue with addiction is that it puts your focus on the next “high” instead of on God.

That’s an extreme over simplification of the problem with addiction.