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Religiousness/Spirituality Reduces Drinking Problems

“Religion” is generally thought of as an organized social system of beliefs and practices, whereby “spirituality” refers to a person’s unique and subjective perspectives, sense of meaning, and/or experiences. Past research has shown that religiousness and spirituality are consistently associated with lower rates of drinking and fewer alcohol-related problems. However, there is little understanding of the specifics of why they do so. This study identified several mechanisms by which religiousness and spirituality could influence alcohol use and problems.

Researchers recruited 512 college students (315 females, 197 males) who were predominantly Christian (80% self identified) to answer a questionnaire for $15 each. The questions addressed their drinking and/or problems, as well as other measures: their religious/spiritual involvement, search for meaning, spiritual well-being, religious struggle, motives for drinking, negative beliefs about alcohol, and social influences.

Results showed that negative beliefs about alcohol, social influences, spiritual well-being and motives for drinking appeared to be among the mechanisms or links between religiousness/spirituality (R/S) and alcohol use and problems. Analysis showed that the bulk of the effects of R/S on alcohol use occurred through the impact of R/S on social influences. This and related studies seem to indicate that part of why R/S can reduce drinking and associated problems is related to the positive and supportive social networking and/or socialization that such organizations and groups provide. The researchers recommended that future efforts address the schism that still seems to exist between clergy who typically lack training and information about substance-use disorders, and mental-health professionals who often do not recognize the potential value of or share the same commitment to R/S as their clients.

(Johnson, TJ, Sheets, VL, Kristeller, JL: Identifying mediators of the relationship between religiousness/spirituality and alcohol use. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs 69:160-170, 2008.)

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