Religious Attitudes to Drugs

Question 1

Drug Abuse

Answer 1

Using drugs in a way that harms the user

Question 2

Class

Answer 2

Types of drugs and how they are seen by the law

Question 3

Prescription drugs

Answer 3

Drugs legally obtained with the doctors consent

Question 4

Illegal Drugs

Answer 4

Drugs which are illegal to possess

Question 5

Social Drugs

Answer 5

Drugs used for social reasons that can be addictive such as alcohol nicotine and caffeine

Question 6

Rehabilitation

Answer 6

Process by which addicts are helped in their addiction to drugs

Question 7

Drug

Answer 7

A substance that when taken affects the body or mind

Question 8

Why do people take drugs?

Answer 8

To escape from boredom, to experiment, because of addiction, they are curious, peer pressure and influence and to rebel against school, society or parents.

Question 9

What are class A drugs?

Answer 9

Also known as Hard Drugs. They carry the most severe penalties. Dealing in Class A drugs can lead to life imprisonment as a maximum penalty of seven years.

Question 10

What are class B drugs?

Answer 10

5 years in prison for possession and 14 years for dealing.

Question 11

What are class C drugs?

Answer 11

Maximum of 2 years for possession and 7 years for dealing.

Question 12

What are the arguments for legalising drugs?

Answer 12

It costs a lot of time and money prosecuting drug offenders. Drug dealers will go out of business because there is no black market. Drugs will not appeal so much if they are not forbidden fruit. Tobacco and alcohol are legal and they could be seen as more dangerous. Cleaner drugs would be available and HIV would not spread through dirty needles.

Question 13

What are the arguments against for legalising drugs?

Answer 13

More people would use them, the number of deaths would increase, the health service, public health and the NHS wouldn’t cope with the addiction problems.

Question 14

What are the arguments for legalising cannabis?

Answer 14

Chasing cannabis users wastes police time, drug dealers would be out of a job, It is unfair to give people a criminal record for a relatively minor offence. It can be used medicinally. Alcohol causes more damage in the long term that cannabis can.

Question 15

What are the arguments against Cannabis?

Answer 15

It is believed to be a gate way drug and has been linked to mental health issues. It is thought that more people would use it.

Question 16

What does Christianity and Islam believe about Alcohol consumption?

Answer 16

Christians: They say that you can drink it in moderation but should not be abused. Jesus turned water into wine and they use it for holy communion. Islam: Haram meaning forbidden because it can have harmful effects. Causes people to loose control and they can’t pray properly. Muslims are required to do so 5 times a day.

Question 17

What does Christianity and Islam believe about Smoking?

Answer 17

Christians: The Bible says nothing about tobacco. Wouldn’t have been discovered then. Anything that damages body is destroying God’s creation and we should depend on God, not drugs. Islam: Muslims smoke as it says nothing in the Qur’an however they say that they shouldn’t harm their bodies as they are a gift from Allah.

Question 18

What does Christianity and Islam believe about illegal drugs?

Answer 18

Christians: destroys God’s creation, families and communities. Also they believe you should obey the law. Islam: Poisons or ‘khamr’. Muslims see their bodies as owned by Allah and therefore they have no right to destroy it. Drugs stop people making clear decisions harm families and communities. Weapon of the devil.

Question 19

What does Christianity and Islam believe about care for drug users?

Answer 19

Christians: Believe that God forgive and cars for those whose lives have been spoilt by drink or drugs. Many have been involved in rehabilitation projects or helped in shelters for those made homeless through drugs and alcohol use. Islam: Believers feel that people should be offered forgiveness and help coming off drugs.