SUBSTANCE ABUSE

DEFEINED

• Substance abuse is the abuse of drugs or alcohol
• And the over indulgence or dependence on addictive substance

The Scriptures and the practice of the Church see alcohol as a gift of God. The Psalms praise God who has given us "wine to gladden our hearts," (Ps. 104,15) and the Gospel tells of Jesus providing wine for the wedding celebration at Cana. Every Sunday we gather at the altar where at Jesus’ command we offer and receive wine that has become his blood by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Scriptures and the Church are also very straight-forward about the abuse of alcohol. St. Paul made it clear in his instructions to the community at Corinth that “drunkards…will not inherit the Kingdom of God.” (1 Cor. 6,10) Instead, we are called “to live sober, upright and godly lives in this world.” (Titus 2,12) Paul opposes the “drinking bouts” which are the work of the flesh, and calls instead for that “self-control” which is the fruit of the Spirit.

The guidance that the Church offers in regard to the use of alcohol is the virtue of temperance, which is not to be confused with the temperance movement of a century ago. The emphasis on the need for the virtue of temperance is implicit recognition that controlling the desire for and the use of alcohol can be difficult. Just advising people to say “No!” is not enough.

which are the work of the flesh, and calls instead for that “self-control” which is the fruit of the Spirit.

The guidance that the Church offers in regard to the use of alcohol is the virtue of temperance, which is not to be confused with the temperance movement of a century ago. The emphasis on the need for the virtue of temperance is implicit recognition that controlling the desire for and the use of alcohol can be difficult. Just advising people to say “No!” is not enough.

Substance abuse is when you use drugs or alcohol to over indulgence but to the church wine and such is ok if not drank in the intention to become drunk or addicted

THE END

WORK CITED