Read the Catechism in a Year

Day 272 - The Importance of Health The Fifth Commandment: You shall not kill. How important is health?  Health is an important value, but not an absolute one. We should treat our God-given body gratefully and carefully, but not be obsessed with it. Appropriate care for the health of its citizens is one of the fundamental obligations of the State, which must create living conditions in which sufficient food, sanitary housing, and basic medical care are available to all.  Why is it a sin to take drugs?   Using drugs is a sin because it is an act of self-destruction and thus an offense against the life that God has given us out of love. Every form of a person’s dependence on legal substances (alcohol, medication, tobacco) and even more so on illegal drugs is an exchange of freedom for slavery; it damages the health and life of the person concerned and also does great harm to the people around him. Every time a person loses or forgets himself by becoming intoxicated, which can also include excessive eating and drinking, indulgence in sexual activity, or speeding with an automobile, he loses some of his human dignity and freedom and therefore sins against God. This should be distinguished from the reasonable, conscious, and moderate use of enjoyable things.  (YOUCAT questions 388-389) Dig Deeper: Corresponding CCC section (2288-2291) and other references here.Brand New Talk from Fr. Larry Richards:  This text comes from the YOUCAT - an accessible expression of the Catechism of the Catholic Church in a simple Q & A format. [Learn more here] Copyright © 2011 by Ignatius Press, San Francisco. Sponsored by Lighthouse Catholic Media, NFP. Powered by Flocknote. By Matthew Warner

Commentary:

God gives us all good things.  But does not expect us to abuse them.  Everything is good.  Even illegal drugs are used in hospitals to help in the curing of diseases and alleviating of pain.  However, these same drugs which God gave us to cure disease and alleviate pain can lead to unhealthful results when used for the sole purpose of becoming intoxicated out of one's mind.  

As the Scripture says:

Galatians 5:13

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Therefore, do not overindulge in any drugs.  Even wine, which is a drug praised and suggested in Scripture: 

1 Timothy 5:23

Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.

can lead to a man's destruction if abused:

Proverbs 20:1

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

Sincerely,

De Maria