Faith-based intervention, change of religiosity, and abstinence of substance addicts

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of developing religiosity on abstinence of substance abuse among recovering addicts in a faith-based and a secular-based treatment program. Methods: Religiosity of recovering addicts was measured using the 38-item Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality at three points in time: at initiation of substance addiction treatment (wave 1), discharge from treatment (wave 2), and 6 months after treatment (wave 3). Latent growth curve modeling was used to assess the dynamic and developing effects of religiosity on aftertreatment abstinence. Secular-based treatment emphasized the role of biological, psychological, and environmental determinants of substance abuse and provided detoxification interventions, such as counseling and group therapies, skill training, health care, and social support, however also relying on religious and spiritual growth to help recovery. Faith-based treatment fundamentally emphasized the Christian theory of addiction to consider substance abuse a sin caused by one's spiritual void and separation from God, although it also acknowledged the importance of biological, psychological, and social needs of rehabilitants. Results: Recovering addicts in faith-based treatment had significantly higher levels of religiosity at each wave (intercept factor) and better religious development across the three waves (slope factor). This contributed to after-treatment abstinence and mediated the effect of treatment mode on aftertreatment abstinence. Conclusion: Service practitioners and researchers should note the importance of dynamic and developing nature of religiosity in relation to the maintenance of abstinence after treatment is completed.

Examining the Social Recovery Factors in Drug Addiction Using Systematic Review Process

“…The research also affirms that when religious groups participate, the programs produce positive results, further highlighting the crucial role of religious groups in social recovery (Kabore et al, 2019). Moreover, in a study conducted by Yeung (2022), it was observed that religious involvement played a significant role in helping recovering addicts. This assistance is evident in aspects such as finding life meaning and purpose and improving interpersonal relationships.…”

“…The influence of the partner or significant other is evident in providing solid support and brings positive impact to drug addicts (Yeung, 2022). Individuals who do not have a partner are more likely to experience loneliness and hopelessness in moving on with life (Yeung, 2022).…”

“…The influence of the partner or significant other is evident in providing solid support and brings positive impact to drug addicts (Yeung, 2022). Individuals who do not have a partner are more likely to experience loneliness and hopelessness in moving on with life (Yeung, 2022). Not only that, they also do not feel connectedness with others who do not have attachment with them, causing these individuals to face difficulty in the recovery process and vulnerable to relapse.…”