In recent columns we looked at some implications involving the legalization of marijuana in Illinois (as well as other States). Any discussion involving drug use, regardless of legality or illegality, eventually leads to talk of dependence and addiction. 

 

Often there is a distinction made between “dependence” and “addiction,” based on the degree to which a substance has become a part of someone’s life (the National Institute on Drug Abuse — http://www.drugabuse.gov — has helpful information on this topic). Dependence is often seen as a strong established habit but not one that has come to rule one’s life or greatly interfere with normal daily functioning, conditions often associated with addiction. Regardless of which term is used however, we’re still talking about strong habits that cannot be walked away from without at least some noticeable negative effects on the person.

 

In moral terms, our freedom (free will) makes us responsible for our choices. Things which compromise our freedom can likewise interfere with our responsibility, though not necessarily eliminate it. The Catechism of the Catholic Church speaks of this in sections 1734 and 1735. In 1735 we read that freedom can be diminished by any of the following: “ignorance, inadvertence, duress, fear, habit, inordinate attachments, and other psychological or social factors.” 

 

Two of these seem particularly relevant to a discussion about dependence or addiction; “habit” and “inordinate attachments.” Any dependence or addiction to a substance has already compromised a person’s freedom to a greater or lesser degree.  It has, in a very real sense, enslaved its user, even though that slavery came as a result of the use of one’s own freedom. 

 

Interestingly, in the debate regarding legalizing marijuana, a commonly heard argument is that “marijuana is not addictive” or at least “not as addictive as other substances.” While there can be many factors involved in whether or not a particular person becomes addicted to or dependent on a given substance, one cannot overlook the fact that just about anything can become addictive under the right circumstances, especially something with intoxicating effects. 

 

Once dependence or addiction takes hold, a person loses a part of him or herself — at least while under the control of that dependence or addiction. Whether one substance is more “addictive” than another misses the point that the very real dangers of dependence and addiction exist, especially if legalization makes access to a substance easier.

 

What does this mean for one’s moral responsibility? The force of dependence or addiction can greatly diminish a person’s ability to think rationally and act freely. This can lead to diminished moral responsibility when struggling with an addiction. However, this doesn’t mean that all moral responsibility is therefore jettisoned. 

 

In fact, if a person chooses to use a substance that subjects them to the risk of dependence or addiction, or to use anything in a manner that leads to an unhealthy attachment, they are absolutely responsible for those initial choices, and any subsequent choices, which lead them down the path toward addiction. Likewise, they remain responsible for the consequences of those choices — not only the immediate effects, but also longer term consequences. 

 

Failing to adequately weigh risks, or to engage in risky behavior, are themselves moral choices. I may not always choose the unforeseen consequences directly, but if my poor choices eventually lead to those consequences, I bear some responsibility nevertheless. 

 

This is true not only of the individual involved, but also of those who may have played a role in enabling those poor choices to be made, whether that is someone like a drug dealer who directly provides a dangerous substance or a legislator who helps make a dangerous substance legal.

 

Seeking help for an addiction is also a choice with moral ramifications. Whether that help is sought through a group like Alcoholics Anonymous or Catholic in Recovery (a specifically Catholic recovery group: http://www.drugabuse.gov) or elsewhere, seeking help is a good moral choice that can open the door to further good choices, better consequences and far greater personal freedom.