Original scientific paper
DEPENDENCE ON DRUGS AND CAPACITY FOR CANONICAL MARRIAGE
Slavko Zec
; Catholic Faculty of Theology in Rijeka, University of Zagreb
Abstract
Phenomenon of dependence on drugs is increasing more and
more among younger population in Croatia. At the latest census
in 2001, two thirds of inhabitants of Croatia declared themselves
Catholics. Because of that it is normal to pose a question: will
all these drug addicts, who are increasing in number and taking
drugs progressively in younger age, be capable for canonical and
sacramental marriage? The aim of this article is to contribute
in search for the answer to this not easy question, using the
interdisciplinary method. For this reason the first part of the
article, using the findings of modern psychiatry and psychology,
clarifies the basic terminology in this area, such as: dependence,
drugs, physical and psychic dependence, withdrawal or abstinence
syndrome, tolerance, classification of drugs and their effect on the
central nervous system.
Such knowledge is necessary presumption for the second part
of this article in which canonical and juridical consequences of
dependence on drugs for marriage are treated. Emphasis is put
on the relationship between dependence on drugs and natural
capability for marriage consent according to Can. 1095, which
states that for consent are not capable: 1. those who lack sufficient
use of reason; 2. those who suffer from a grave defect of discretion
of judgment concerning the essential matrimonial rights and duties
mutually to be handed and accepted; 3. those who are not able to
assume the essential obligations of marriage for causes of psychic
nature.
Concerning the concrete practice, in this matter the principle
of individual pastoral and juridical approach to every drug addict
is valid, on the one hand in the light of scientific criteria of human
sciences (psychiatry, psychology), on the other hand in the light of
Canon Law and integral Christian anthropology, as proposed by
Pope John Paul II.
Keywords
dependence; abstinence; tolerance; mental disorders; use of reason; discretion of judgment; essential obligations of marriage; capacity for marriage
Hrčak ID:
26163
URI
Publication date:
23.6.2008.
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