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The Methodist Church of Great Britain | Drugs and substance abuse

Drugs and substance abuse

Methodist views are set out in the Statement on the Non-Medical Use of Drugs adopted in 1974.

Creation

Drugs are part of creation. Some are manufactured, others (such as cannabis, nicotine and alcohol) occur naturally. Human intelligence which has discovered and developed the production and use of drugs is also part of creation.

God, who offers us these gifts, expects us to exercise responsibility and stewardship.

Drugs should be used to promote health and healing.

Misuse of drugs which damages physical or mental well-being is contrary to God’s will.

Redemption

Drug misuse is related to the doctrine of redemption. God’s purpose is to restore to perfection that which has been corrupted or damaged.

Individuals affected by drugs need to be restored. Men and women have to be redeemed from the personal bondage of drug dependence. In addition, the physical and social environment that drives them to such dependence must be transformed.

Christian Perfection

John Wesley’s ideas about Christian Perfection are important when thinking about life’s personal and social dimensions. The Methodist Church strives to offer society the prospect of ‘a new creation’.

Methodist emphasis is not concerned with a frail, individualistic piety, but with a robust holiness of life. The misuse of drugs is a threat to the quest for personal health and wholeness.

Action

  • Medical Practice
    There are responsibilities on drug companies and doctors to ensure that the medicines supplied are the most effective treatment.
  • Legislation
    Legislation’s main purpose should be to attack the sources of supply of illegal drugs, for instance by providing resources to combat drug trafficking activity. In dealing with drug users, it is increasingly recognised that custodial sentences alone are unlikely to have a beneficial effect. Local and national church groups need to keep pressure on MPs, asking them to support measures to reduce drug use and help addicts.
  • Education
    There is an obvious need for education at all levels of society about drug use and related issues.
  • Rehabilitation
    We have a responsibility to the victims of drug abuse. The rehabilitation of addicts is a major challenge to the Church’s compassion, generosity and action. The Methodist Church should support agencies active in this field, perhaps financially. The Church should encourage all who undertake this demanding work as part of their Christian vocation.
  • Individual decision
    Each of us will have to determine our own personal attitude to this issue. Christians are obliged to use all things, including money, responsibly. We seek to meet the problems and stresses of life in ways which are compatible with an understanding of Christ’s teaching. We should remember our call to discipleship, to love our neighbour and play our part in the Church’s work of education and rehabilitation.

Download
A Methodist Statement on the Non-Medical Use of Drugs

See also
Methodist views on alcohol
The work of the Churches’ Criminal Justice Forum.