Mind altering substances

[se_goat]

I need some help with moral teaching.

Ok. We all know drunkeness is a sin. We also know that marajuana is a sin, because it is harmful and the government outlaws it.

But, a few questions.

1. When does one cross the threshold from genuine appreciation to drunkenness with alcohol?
2. Is smoking marajuana ever not morally wrong?
3. If there are legal mind altering substances, what dosage would constitute proper use, and what would constitute being impaired?

 

[kell0618]

Everything in moderation. Everything. If you hand over control to a substance of any kind, including food or even other addictions such as gambling, sex, etc., you are profaning the image of God. A couple of drinks with dinner, perhaps no problem. A six-pack daily? A red flag should go up.

If you live where marijuana and other drugs are illegal, it is a grave sin to break the law whether civil or Church law.

If such drugs are legal where you live, again, the moderation rule must be strictly observed.

Too much of anything but God is not a good thing.

 

[Mirdath]

Not only does the Church consider it moral when prescribed (from what I’ve read; caveat, non-Catholic ), marijuana is in fact legal for some uses. It’s one of the most effective pain relievers and appetite-stimulants for several conditions, such as chemotherapy, chronic pain, muscular dystrophy, and so forth. With the stigma it has in the States it’s all-too-rarely prescribed when it is useful, but that’s slowly improving.

 

[MichaelTDoyle]

If you live where marijuana and other drugs are illegal, it is a grave sin to break the law whether civil or Church law.

:

Grave? Breaking a civil law at times is needed if contrary to God’s law. Also the matter is not necessarily grave, is it? Going 5 miles over the speed limit is not grave matter I would think.

 

[kell0618]

Grave? Breaking a civil law at times is needed if contrary to God’s law. Also the matter is not necessarily grave, is it? Going 5 miles over the speed limit is not grave matter I would think.

Going over the speed limit will get you a ticket and fine. Possession of illegal substances will land you some serious prison time. Interesting comparison on your part.

What law do you consider necessary to break in order to be faithful to God’s law?

 

[se_goat]

I’m looking for a threshold here for a mind altering substance (assume legality)

How much is too much?

 

[kell0618]

I’m looking for a threshold here for a mind altering substance (assume legality)

How much is too much?

When you see pink elephants?

Why would you want to use a mind-altering substance? Obviously, you are not talking about pain management here. I cannot imagine an occasion where the use of mind-altering drugs would not be sinful. Perhaps you can give us a scenario?

To use something to escape reality is a severe disrespect for God.

 

[thechrismyster]

I’m looking for a threshold here for a mind altering substance (assume legality)

How much is too much?

If you can say “i wouldn’t want my kids to see me like this”… you’ve had too much.

not always 100%… but a good barometer.

 

[Mirdath]

I’m looking for a threshold here for a mind altering substance (assume legality)

How much is too much?

That depends on several factors. First, the substance; second, your tolerance to it; third, changes in effective tolerance (full/empty stomach, amount of sleep, etc.); fourth, your weight, height, and sex; fifth, interactions with other drugs; and so on and on.

Since we’re assuming legality, chances are if you’re looking for the limit you’ll find it. But be careful – even legal drugs can harm or kill you in overdoses. And don’t mix anything, especially not with alcohol. Booze potentiates or alters a lot of things that would be okay for you otherwise.

www.erowid.com is a great informative resource for all kinds of drugs, legal and not. It’s better to know more than you strictly need than it is to be surprised.

 

[system]

I’m looking for a threshold here for a mind altering substance (assume legality)

How much is too much?

With no offense to you for asking, I think that just having to ask the question shows that maybe these things have become too important to you.

Of course blood alcohol can be easily measured and lots of interesting reflex tests and memory tests can show you some level of impairment, but there are a lot of factors involved. Size, weight, tolerance etc. And then there’s the worst factor in impairment from ANY substance: the false belief that you’re really NOT impaired.

The best level for some folks is zero

 

[MichaelTDoyle]

Going over the speed limit will get you a ticket and fine. Possession of illegal substances will land you some serious prison time. Interesting comparison on your part.

What law do you consider necessary to break in order to be faithful to God’s law?

Segregation laws of the past come to mind. In Canada some preaching on doctrine may be considered hate speech. I have also heard tales of those praying the Rosary in front of abortion mills being arrested. Right now nothing in my life, but you never know. Times change.

it is a grave sin to break the law whether civil or Church law.

made me think you were applying grave matter to all laws.

Grave matter is well . . . grave. Essentially. if someone commits a sin regarding grave matter with full intent, it is a mortal sin; therefore, I’m wary and leery about using the word grave unless the Church is explicit about it, e.g. non habituated masturbation for example is grave matter according to the Church. It’s also a big spiritual STOP sign when the Church points at an activity as gravely harmful, because we are first and foremost damaging ourselves with sin, if it is grave matter I think it must be very harmful to our spiritual life indeed, crushing to faith, hope and charity. That’s awful, seriously. Who wants to go backward like that!? It is very important then to be very clear on what is or is not grave matter, so we do not dilute the serioussness of commiting mortal sin against God Who loves us and suffered for us.

Does that make sense? It is possibly I misinterpreted Church doctrine, too.

 

[setter]

I’m looking for a threshold here for a mind altering substance (assume legality)

How much is too much?

Rule of thumb: If one, or knowing others, is wondering if they drink or use too much, then most likely they have crossed the threshold into abusive use.

Other markers: If one is primarily seeking the mood/mind altering effect in itself; if one is using primarily to medicate feelings and/or thoughts; using more than intend to use; sub-par performance of life duties due to use; have a problem not using.

 

[se_goat]

does anyone know the official church position on this?

so is it wrong to drink alcohol if someone desires to “loosen up”?

 

[se_goat]

anyone?

 

[MichaelTDoyle]

I believe it is sinful if you drink to a point where your judgement is impaired. Moderate consumption is not sinful for whatever reason, just as eating a Hershey’s bar is not sinful or listening to soothing music.

Exercise prudence and moderation, imho, which includes that if it becomes a crutch, your crutch needs to be the cross of Christ.

Sorry, all answers are not easy answers. You have to internalize Church teachings and use your conscience as best as you can with prayer and good guidance if you can find it.

my 2 cents

 

[ricko]

Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Anything that harms your body is a sin whether the item is legal or not. Is there something about the term “mind altering” you don’t understand?

 

[thistle]

I need some help with moral teaching.

Ok. We all know drunkeness is a sin. We also know that marajuana is a sin, because it is harmful and the government outlaws it.

But, a few questions.

1. When does one cross the threshold from genuine appreciation to drunkenness with alcohol?
2. Is smoking marajuana ever not morally wrong?
3. If there are legal mind altering substances, what dosage would constitute proper use, and what would constitute being impaired?

CCC 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, by drunkenness or a love of speed, endanger their own and others’ safety on the road, at sea, or in the air.

CCC 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 co-operation in evil, since they encourage people to practices gravely contrary to the moral law.

 

[m134e5]

1. When does one cross the threshold from genuine appreciation to drunkenness with alcohol?

You cross the threshold when you get drunk- though alcohol doesn’t have to include getting drunk to be a problem. It becomes a problem when you can’t enjoy your evening unless you have a beer when you get home from work.

1. Is smoking marajuana ever not morally wrong?

Some argue that there are more toxins in alcohol than in marijuana. I wonder if in places where it isn’t illegal, it would be no more of a sin than smoking cigarettes.

1. If there are legal mind altering substances, what dosage would constitute proper use, and what would constitute being impaired?

legal mind-altering substances can be used morally only if…

1.) the person using it has control over whether or not they use it (meaning I believe it is VERY immoral to drug your kids because you’re too lazy or too obscessed with your work or your own lives to allow them time and space to burn off excess energy).

2.) the person using it does not lose control of themselves.

3.) it does not harm the body.

4.) it does not keep you from getting the things done that you need to do.

5.) it does not interfere with your relationships with others.

6.) it does not offend those around you.