Intervenção religiosa na recuperação de dependentes de drogas

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:To analyze the role of emerging religious interventions in the recovery from drug addiction. METHODOLOGICAL PROCEDURES:An exploratory qualitative study carried out in the city of Sao Paulo, Southeastern Brazil, in 2004 and2005. In-depth interviews were held with 85 former drug users who had turned to non-medical religious resources for the treatment of their drug addiction and who were free from drugs for at least six months. The religious groups included in the analysis were Catholics, Evangelicals and Spiritualists. The interviews contained questions relating to sociodemographic data, the religiosity of the interviewee, his or her history of drug consumption, medical treatment for drug addiction, religious treatment and prevention of drug consumption through religion. ANALYSIS OF RESULTS:There were differences between the religious groups in the way that the drug addict was supported. The group that most used religion as an exclusive form of treatment was the Evangelicals, who rejected the intervention of a doctor andr any kind of pharmacological treatment. The Spiritualists most turned to therapeutic support for alcohol dependence, as well as conventional treatment, on account of their greater purchasing power. Catholics generally relied exclusively on religious therapy, but were less likely to reject the possibility of medical treatment. The importance given to prayer as an anxiolytic method was common in the three treatments. Confessions and pardons -in the forms of (faith) conversions and penitence for Evangelicals and Catholics respectively -served to help to rebuild people's lives and restore their self-esteem. CONCLUSIONS:According to the interviewees, what helped them to maintain their abstinence from drugs was more than just religious faith. Other factors included the support, positive pressure and welcoming offered by the group, and the offer to rebuild their lives with the unconditional support of religious leaders.

Religiosidade e espiritualidade: mecanismos de influência positiva sobre a vida e tratamento do alcoolista

“…In this sense, according to the literature, having religious practices can help make people aware of the problems that alcohol causes and then, develop the power to change. 10 A successful alcohol treatment consists in changing alcoholics' habits, their daily routine and, consequently, behaviors. Alcoholics try to replace the moment of alcohol consumption with other activities, including religious practices, whose goal is to help them and change their focus from drinking.…”

“…These data confirm literature findings, as they highlight religion can enable a social support restructuring to alcoholics and the church can be a promising environment for making a new network of friends. [8][9][10]26 In this space, religious leaders provide individualized hearing and appreciate the potentialities of drug dependents, without judging them. These attitudes are understood by them as unconditional support, promoting the creation of a 'new family'.…”

“…4,9 Regarding the drug problem dimension, religiosity or spirituality practices have been considered a protective factor against the consumption of alcohol and other drugs, in the prevention and treatment dimensions. 4,10 It is associated with better life skills and human physical and mental well-being. 10 Specifically regarding the alcohol intake issue, in the prevention dimension, studies show that religious participation and affiliation have been associated with lower rates of abusive or harmful use a and use of alcohol in life.…”

“…4,10 It is associated with better life skills and human physical and mental well-being. 10 Specifically regarding the alcohol intake issue, in the prevention dimension, studies show that religious participation and affiliation have been associated with lower rates of abusive or harmful use a and use of alcohol in life. 11,12 In the therapy dimension, religion 13 and/or spirituality seem to be related to the maintenance of alcohol withdrawal.…”

Dissociação, religiosidade e saúde: um estudo no Santo Daime e na umbanda

“…Salientamos ainda que a propensão ou a identificação com psicodélicos pode ser mais motivadora para a aderência e conversão de um adepto para a religião do (Macrae, 1992;Winkelman, 2001;Geppert, Bogenschutz & Miller, 2007;Windsor & Shorkey, 2011;Sanchez & Nappo, 2008a, 2008b.…”