In a nationwide study of high school students conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2003, studies showed that the level of drug and alcohol abuse by teenagers has reached a plateau. Teens seem to be gradually learning more and more about the effects of drugs, but teens also seem to have decreased of using or abusing illicit substances. The Church takes a firm stand on their opinion on any substance abuse. We do not have the right to damage our bodies, because we belong to God. Under the fifth commandment, Thou shall not kill; we also cannot do any harm to our bodies. .
In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the opinion of the Church on substance abuse is mentioned five times. It is first mentioned on paragraph 2280. "Everyone is responsible for his life before God who has given it to him. It is God who remains sovereign Master of life. We are obliged to accept life gratefully and preserve it for his honor and the salvation of our souls. We are stewards, not, owners, of the life God has entrusted to us. It is not ours to dispose of." In plain terms, this is just saying that we do not own our bodies, God does, and he has entrusted us to take care of the life he has given us, and it is not ours to damage or take. By using drugs, a person does damage to himself or herself, and this damage falls under the Fifth Commandment. .
Second, on paragraph 2288, "Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the common good. .
Concern for the health of its citizens requires that society help in the attainment of living-conditions that allow them to grow and reach maturity: food and clothing, housing, health care, basic education, employment, and social assistance." The paragraph states life and physical health is precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the common good.