What is a good encyclical about alcohol abuse?

Answer 1

There are none.

Inasmuch as this is an illness and not a separate moral issue per se, the Holy See has not addressed it much.

Its abuse is mentioned in the Catechism of the Catholic Church under "Respect for health". Paragraph CCC 2290 and 2291 state: 2290 The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine. Those incur grave guilt who, by drunkenness or a love of speed, endanger their own and others' safety on the road, at sea, or in the air.

2291 The use of drugs inflicts very grave damage on human health and life. Their use, except on strictly therapeutic grounds, is a grave offense. Clandestine production of and trafficking in drugs are scandalous practices. They constitute direct co-operation in evil, since they encourage people to practices gravely contrary to the moral law.

To abuse alcohol is a sin. If there is a condition that predisposes one to abuse alcohol, that condition is not intrinsically sinful; rather, it is the abuse that is sinful. In fact, if there is a biological reason why someone is strongly predisposed to abuse alcohol, that could reduce the guilt of the alcoholic.

The Church makes a strict distinction between an inclination to sin and the sin itself. For example, homosexuality is not considered a sin by the church (if by "homosexuality" you mean attraction to or strong sexual desire for members of the same sex). However, she does condemn homosexual behavior. So someone who is attracted to members of the same sex, and yet does not act on those desires, does not sin. Similarly, someone with alcoholism who desires a drink or knows they are prone to abuse alcohol yet does not drink or abuse alcohol, does not sin.

There are only three encyclicals that mention alcohol [and/or] alcoholism and they are all within the context of disciplines and fasting before Mass along with the training of priests for Holy Orders.

1. Christus Dominus

   The Apostolic Constitution Of His Holiness Pope Pius XII issued on January 6, 1953.

   Concerning The Discipline To Be Observed With Respect To The Eucharistic Fast

2. Sacram Communionem

   Motu Proprio of His Holiness Pope Pius XII in which permissions granted by the Apostolic Constitution "Christus Dominus" are extended. Issued March 19, 1957.

   On laws of fasting and the evening Mass

3. Religiosorum Institutio

   Instruction on the Careful Selection And Training Of Candidates For The States Of Perfection And Sacred Orders

   From the Sacred Congregation For Religious

   February 2, 1961

Answer 2

"Caritas in Veritate" by Pope Benedict XVI addresses social issues such as substance abuse, including Alcoholism. It emphasizes the importance of promoting human development and the common good, which includes addressing the root causes of behaviors like alcohol abuse. The encyclical encourages a holistic approach to addressing social problems, which includes providing support and resources for individuals struggling with addiction.