Perhaps one of the harder topics to debate is the discussion of use of "legal drugs" for recreational purposes. Substances that will be included are alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine. One of the main issues will be the potential for abuse of these substances and the harmful effects they can have physically, socially, and economically.

Some argue that using legal drugs for recreational use is moral because human beings have free will, a gift from God. If the US government legalizes a substance, then they must feel safe with it's use in the general public. Morally speaking, recreationally using a legal substance is not intended to harm. Others argue that using legal drugs for recreational use is immoral because it harms the person's health and can cause addiction which harms a person and his/her family. A discussion of the Church's teaching will include self-respect and dignity.