J1ST 129: Care for those suffering with Drug Addiction

The fourth theme of Catholic Social Teaching asks us to care also for those addicted to drugs. They too were created in the image and likeness of God and even drug addiction does not remove that dignity. This topic can be hard for many of us as we wrestle with feelings that drug addiction is the addict’s fault and, in a way, it serves them right. This, of course, is not how we are called to treat those suffering with addictions.

 

Teaching about drug addiction, however, gives us a great opportunity to speak to our children about true freedom and how, as Catholics, we should never submit to the authority of anyone except God. With all addictions, drug addicts are slaves, and we are slaves to our various addictions. 

 

When teaching about drug addiction we need to have two very different conversations with our children. First, that drugs are bad, dangerous and can ruin your life. Next, that no matter who drugs have affected someone's life, they are worthy of love and our help.

 

Our exploration of Care for those with Drug Addiction comes directly out of our new book, CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING FOR YOUTH. CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING FOR YOUTH a ready-to-use script for Catholic parents as they set to work teaching their children the TRUTH on all of our modern moral and social issues. With full Imprimatur from the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, you can trust this book to effectively teach what is true, while inviting your child into what is also beautiful.

 

Organized around the themes laid out by the USCCB, CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING FOR YOUTH will walk you and your child through all 31 Catholic Social Teaching topics, from the Dignity of the Human Person, through the Call to Family, Solidarity, Care for the Land and Workers Rights.

To get your copy, head here: https://shop.catholicsprouts.com/products/catholic-social-teaching-for-youth

 

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Your sister in the small things,

Nancy