How to Feel Good and How Not To: The Ethics of Using Marijuana, Alcohol, Antidepressants, and Other Mood-Altering Drugs

by John-Mark L. Miravalle

Never before in the life of our nation have more drugs – legal and illegal – been consumed than now, and in such an acute time as this, it is difficult to evaluate which mood-altering drugs carry moral legitimacy. In these pages, author John-Mark Miravalle explores, through a Catholic lens, the phenomenon of chemical mood alteration and reflects on our feelings of pleasure and suffering and how they relate to the rest of our humanity. Masterfully combining philosophy, theology, and science, Miravalle equips you with the tools you need to make decisions based on your own particular circumstances. With the help of these edifying pages, you’ll learn what effect the uses of particular substances typically have on your ability to regulate your feelings and cultivate an emotional life that leads to happiness and fulfillment over time.

125 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 13, 2020

Reviews

[Tammy Schilling · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a lot going on in our culture right now with the normalization of drug use. While you may instinctively know that it's wrong, beyond the dangers, you may not be able to articulate why. This book helps with that and does not shy away from the questions of how Marijuana is different from alcohol, antidepressants, or other mood altering drugs. Also, it's only 130 pages, so it gets you there in a reasonable amount of time.

[Wade Wiegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richly researched and very welcome book describing the dangers of recreational use of marijuana, as well as a contrary view to the current socially-accepted view of anti-depressants.

[E.M. McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explores the “why” of drug use, beginning with an explanation of how we desire delight, and avoid sorrow. Quoting saints, like Saint Pope John Paul II, Professor Miravalle guides the reader into the deeper questions about life's purpose, the use of drugs (including alcohol), suffering and evil, and whether marijuana use can be morally justified. The chapter “The Value of Suffering” is a gem.
Professor Miravalle uses clear and concrete examples. He writes:

“We weren’t made to rest or take delight in artificially stimulated
brain states. We were made to rest in human goods, in the actual
flourishing of our natures. Recreational drug use—including the
various forms of recreational use of cannabis—manipulates the
faculties against their intended design, distracts us from the prac-
tices that facilitate virtuous delight, and makes our pursuit of real
happiness that much less likely.”

I recommend this book to anyone wanting to fully understand how to arrive at a morally sound judgment not just about drugs, but about the meaning of our lives.