Drug: Drug Rehab Facts

Question: I'd like to ask about buddhism and prescription drugs....?

(Posted by: PL on 2010-03-05 23:56:16)

I know that the 5th rule of Buddhism is to abstain from drugs and alcohol, but does this apply to ALL drugs? For example, I take allegra to control my serious pollen allergy, is this ok in the buddhist beliefs or is it considered another drug and as such must be restricted? (by serious allergy I mean anaphylaxis can occur)

Posted by: Yo on 2010-03-06, 00:00:23

No it is okay to take medicine. Don't think of the precepts as commandments. They are more like general guidelines, really good ideas that have stood up over the years. It also depends on what translation you are reading....generally it is translated as refrain from "intoxicants ". Medicinal use of a drug does not qualify anyways. Don't forget that there is no "sin " in Buddhism.

Posted by: Aonghas M on 2010-03-06, 00:01:05

No, it doesn't. It's abstention from mind-altering drugs (like marijuana, opioids, methamphetamines, etc.) There's nothing wrong with taking prescription drugs.

Posted by: Maggie Spence from y!a is a < on 2010-03-06, 00:01:43

I think its obviously referring to recreational drug use. just smoke weed. its not a drug, its a plant that grows naturally