Drugs and religion are viewed differently. Some religions believe drugs will enhance their spiritually and others believe drugs will destroy it. These drugs have been used for centuries as a closer relationship to a Higher Power whereas other religions believe in the abstinence of drugs.
The Native Americans believe in family, marriage, financial independence, and prayer. They use peyote in certain ceremonies which is a spineless cactus with psychoactive effects. Native Americans feel peyote is the gift of God to heal, teach righteousness, and connect with God. It is either eaten or brewed with tea that is passed around. They are, however, encouraged to abstain from alcohol. Rastafarians believe their admirer Haile Selassie will return to lead the black community back to their Ethiopian homeland. They are encouraged to avoid alcohol but use marijuana spiritually as they find it sacred and as a way to bring the community closer together as well as bring religious, calm visions.
Hinduism is one of the oldest religions that believe in one God but many deities. They use marijuana and a plant-derived drink Soma in worship. Hindus associated marijuana with their God Shiva who was believed to give this drug to humanity as a sign of gratitude and makes others happy, joyous, free, and reduces anxiety. It is consumed as a drink or mixed with nuts, spices, milk, and yogurt. Bwiti is the official religion of Gabon and believe that everyone, including animals and plants, have a spiritual essence. They use the hallucinogenic drug Iboga for ceremonies and a source of spiritual knowledge. Bwiti feel they can see into the future with it by talking with animals and plants, connecting with the departed, curing sickness, and used during the three day transition initiation to manhood.
Then there are some religions that believe drugs and alcohol are poisonous to your connection with God. Muslims believe drugs impair serving Allah as you are escaping reality when under the influence and is the work of Satan. The Mormon Church believes drug use and caffeine is harmful to the body and conflicts with the Lord’s Word of Wisdom which brings healthy practices for spiritual and physical blessings. Jehovah’s Witnesses abstain anything that pollutes your mind and body and feel over-drinking is harmful and displeasing to God. Learning of different religions’ beliefs in drugs and alcohol will help you understand why certain religions abstain and why others do not.
Located in downtown Midland, The Springboard Center’s mission is to offer programs and services to treat alcohol and drug addiction treatment using an evidence based curriculum, 12 step programs, diet, nutrition, exercise, emotional, mental and spiritual development for a long recovery. For more information, please call us at 432-620-0255 as we are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
