Substance
Abuse
Definition
It is the excessive use of substances, especially alcohol, tobacco or drugs.
Common Reasons
·
“pakikisama”
– engage to be accepted
·
“tabooed
pleasure” – masarap gawin ang bawal
·
status
symbol – “I am already an adult”
·
“rebellion”
against authority (ex. Parents, teachers, etc.)
·
“adventure”
– curiosity
·
“i
am coping with my problems”
Negative Effects
·
“physical
harm” – one can inflict harm on himself or others
·
“socio-psycho-emotional
hurt [on the user and the family]
·
“addictive
dependency” = ruin life
Catholic Church on Substance Abuse
·
“Don’t
you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and
who was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourselves but to God” ( 1
Cor. 6: 19)
·
“
Use your bodies for God’s Glory”
·
Abusive
use of these substances is contrary to our dignity as human persons because
they damage our health and well being as well as seriously endanger the lives
of others.
·
Substance
abuse destroys our own true freedom and the freedom of others.
·
It
is our obligation to respect our bodies because it is the “temple of the Holy
Spirit”.
Reflection
·
As
a “temple of the Holy Spirit, how can we take care of our body?
·
How
can we address our care for a friend who is beginning to drink or smoke?
·
Other
than drinking or smoking, what are other productive activities can we do with
our friends?
Challenge
•
We
are called to value our own lives and the lives of all persons.
•
We
have an obligation to reject substances that can destroy our own bodily and
mental well-being.
•
We
have a responsibility to help/ listen to those who have the tendency to abuse
alcohol or drugs.
REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:
|
|
o Miranda,
Noel P. and Javier, Philip S. III. Called to Follow Christ in True Freedom.
Ateneo de Manila University: SIBS Publishing House, Inc., 2006
o Catholic Bishops’
Conference of the Philippines. Catechism for Filipino Catholics. 2006
o Astorga, Ma.
Christina A., Ph.D. Living the Faith Option: Christian Morality.
Quezon City: FNB Educational, Inc.2005
o Vincent J.
Genovesi, S.J. In Pursuit of Love
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