Legitimacy of the State and Government Regulation Role of Government

The Purpose of the Government: Secular Perspective What’s the Purpose of the Government? Libertarian View Liberal View United States

Classical Political Theory and Catholic Social Teachings (Catholic Social Teachings can be found on Part III of the Catechism) Government is not a necessary evil nor a panacea. Human beings require community and public order to achieve basic human goods. The role of the government should be limited. Subsidiarity is preferred. Principles and entities that must be protected – human person, marriage and family, religion, and the right to peaceful assemble.

Entities and Principles That Must Be Protected When the government supersedes these, then it oversteps its bounds. It usurps that which it has no rights. Because human nature is weak, what the government can achieve is limited. The government is made up of citizens. It is only as virtuous or as corrupt as its society. The importance of political prudence. The purpose of the government is to ensure the common good of all.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Government: The Common Good Protect its citizens from internal and physical attack, and achieve peace. Public order that protects basic personal and property rights – especially the weak members of society.

Drug Legalization and Drug Addiction: Definitions Craving Loss of Control Physical Dependence Tolerance

Alcohol/Drugs/Addictions: Affirmations Alcohol and drug dependency are progressive, chronic, and potentially fatal diseases when unrecognized and untreated. Primary behavioral characteristics of addictions: cravings and excessive use. Diminished freedom to make choices to use or not to use. One is enslaved. Continual use is an indicator of a compulsive and addictive behavior. Prolonged use can alter the mind, can result in loss of control, and harmful for self and others. Alcohol and sex addiction qualifies as mind-altering, consciousness-changing. Drug and alcohol addictions are behavioral, psychological, physiological, and spiritual problems. Genetics or heritability can increase the risk of being predisposed to addictive behaviors.

Behavioral Indictors of Drug and Alcohol Addictions Denial of compulsion or hiding one’s addiction; progressive deception and honesty. Inability to resist, control, or stop the drinking or other addictive behavior. Increased tension Frequent and progressive involvement Neglect of job, school, family, church etc. Can be difficult to detect, but it’ll eventually come out.

The Process of Recovery Forms of Withdrawal Detoxification/Detox Hemeostasis Rehab and health restoration – usually involves other ailments Inpatient and outpatient options Process Group or Individual Therapy Those recovering may experience an increase in anxieties, depression, guilt, anger, shame, and stigma. Marriage and family counseling might be necessary Divorce usually acts as a catalyst to sobriety A combination of family/friends support, professional counseling, and spiritual direction are usually the most effective approach.

Other Information Statistics The Catechism of the Catholic Church, par. 1291

Church, Drugs, and Drug Addiction (2001), John Paul II Drugs offer the illusion of liberty and promises of happiness Using drugs abdicates our ability to think, choose, and act as persons. We have no “right” to drugs because we do not have the right to abdicate of God given human dignity. Drugs frustrate our ability to live in community and offer ourselves to others. To enforce drug laws and to fight drugs is a grave moral duty for those in authority. Drug abuse is not just a legal problem but also a symptom of the need for meaning, decent living and working conditions, and opportunities for growth.

Legalization? The Catholic Church opposes the legalization (non- therapeutic or non-medical use) of soft or hard drugs. Pope Francis’ Remarks America’s Unjust Drug War