A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure.
Find accurate definitions of words and phrases. Overindulgence
in alcoholic beverages. On Catholic moral principles, the degree
of sinfulness in excessive drinking depends on how this excess
is known to affect this particular drinker. It is a grave matter
if it is foreseen that this drink will cause on e to lose the
use of one's senses or will put one in such a state that he or
she is no longer able to distinguish right from wrong. It is a
venial matter if one has reason for believing that this amount
of drinking, though actually excessive, will neither deprive one
of the use of one's senses or of the power to distinguish right
from wrong. All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John
Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with
permission.