Christian attitudes towards drugs

The key Christian teaching in relation to the use of drugs is that the physical body is the natural home of the soul, and is therefore precious and sacred.

Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:19

So Christians do not approve of the taking of illegal drugs, including most recreational drugs [Recreational drugs. : Drugs used for pleasure or relaxation. Most recreational drugs are illegal. ], especially those which can alter the mind and make people incapable of praying or being alert to God.

• Christians will take prescription drugs [Prescription drugs: Those prescribed by a doctor to treat a medical condition. ] when appropriate.
• Alcohol, tobacco and caffeine are examples of recreational drugs which are not forbidden to Christians.

The Roman Catholic church says:

The use of drugs inflicts very grave damage on human health and life. Their use, except on strictly therapeutic grounds, is a grave offence. 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.