"Alcohol is for the people" is what the older generation used to say. Meanwhile, more and more people are falling into the trap of problems related to its abuse. Interestingly, these don't have to be people from so called difficult circles or pathologies. Very often professionally active, well-paid people with families become alcoholics. Fortunately, there is a growing social awareness in this direction, many people also undergo effective treatment. How should a Catholic look at alcoholism: Sin or disease? What is the position of the Catholic Church on this issue?
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Alcoholism is a sin
The consumption of alcohol as such does not automatically entail being a sinner. The only condition for not going down the path of evil is moderation, which is considered one of the virtues. It is worth knowing that even in the Bible the theme related to alcohol is mentioned many times. The transformation of water into wine in Cana is known to everyone, whereas in one of the psalms we can read about 'cheering up the heart of man'.
On the question of alcoholism - sin or disease - it is worth thinking about the matter of intoxication with intoxicating drinks itself. If this is a regular activity, the subject of constant reflection and causing certain dysfunctions in life, then there is real cause for concern. In practice, even a single after-work drink consumed on a regular basis can be such a cause for concern. When the need to seek comfort in alcohol is a daily occurrence, it is undoubtedly a path to imminent doom.
Alcoholism is a disease
Being an alcoholic is also a number of different mental states, which from the point of view of medicine are always clearly defined as a disease. This means that on its basis, further disorders can develop - difficult to treat, and sometimes even causing irreversible changes in the body, such as the liver or brain. Following this line, scientists have clearly defined that alcoholism is a fatal disease.
Is it necessary to confess alcoholism?
The health lapses mentioned earlier are also blatant human transgressions against the Fifth Commandment. Following the voice of St. Thomas, we should also consider the question of what we never do in sobriety, and what comes to us with great ease after alcohol.
Any alcohol overdose should be confessed. And even though a one-time prank is yet still not alcoholism, it is the lack of moderation itself that is seen as a sin here. Not to mention such acts as getting behind the wheel after a drink - here, after all, in the worst case, we can very easily harm our fellow man.
In answering the title question - alcoholism a sin or a disease - there is no ambiguity that it is both. There is no doubt about it from the priests on their own, spiritual side, as well as from the medics, analyzing the scientific issues. The Catholic, however, is not commanded to remain abstinent, although he may do so if he wishes. However, one should use alcohol in moderation, taking care, above all, that the good mood and relaxation do not give way to strong intoxication and loss of control. This is because such a state is considered a sin and should be confessed immediately, repenting of one's actions.