The role of spirituality and religiousness in aiding recovery from alcohol and other drug problems: An investigation in a national U.S. sample.

Abstract

More Americans than ever before are identifying as "spiritual but not religious." Both spirituality and religiosity (S/R) are of interest in the addiction field as they are related to alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems and are central to some recovery pathways. Yet little is known overall about S/R identification among people in recovery, the role these play in aiding recovery, and whether they play more or less of a role for certain subgroups (e.g., men/women, different races/ethnicities; those with treatment or 12-step histories). Here we characterize S/R and its associations with AOD recovery in a nationally representative, cross-sectional sample of U.S. adults (N ϭ 39,809) screening positive to the question, "Did you use to have a problem with alcohol or drugs but no longer do?" (final weighted sample n ϭ 2,002). Weighted chi-square and Poisson-distributed generalized linear mixed models were used to assess S/R and test for differences across subgroups on extent of spiritual, and religious identification, and the extent to which these had aided individuals' recovery. Participants mostly reported being moderately spiritual and religious, and that overall, religion had not helped them overcome their AOD problem. In contrast, spirituality was most commonly reported as either not helping at all, or having made all the difference in terms of helping individuals overcome their AOD problem. Further, substantial differences were observed by race/ethnicity across both spirituality and religiosity, and to a lesser degree between men and women. Black Americans reported substantially more S/R than Whites, and that these often made all the difference in their recovery. The exact opposite trend was observed for White and Hispanic Americans. Prior professional treatment and 12-step mutual-aid use were both related to greater spirituality, but not religiosity. Overall, spirituality but not religion, appears to play a role in aiding recovery, particularly among those with prior treatment or 12-step histories, but women and men, and racial-ethnic groups in particular, differ strikingly in their spiritual and religious identification, and the role these have played in aiding recovery. These differences raise the question of the potential clinical utility of S/R in personalized treatment.

The role of spirituality and religiosity in psychoactive substance use among adolescents in a Nigerian Hospital

“…Low spirituality has been associated with drug use similar to the finding in this study (61). Spirituality is a construct that has recently gained currency among clinicians because of the perceived role in the promotion of meaningfulness in recovery from addiction (30). The relationship between spirituality and drug use is becoming more and more apparent, as study after study continues to suggest that there is a significant correlation between engaging in spiritual and religious activities and a positive change in high-risk behaviors (62).…”

“…Both spirituality and religiosity are of interest in the addiction field as they are pivotal to some recovery pathways (29). Yet little is known overall about spirituality and religiosity identification among people in recovery including the role these play in aiding recovery (30). Although the specific aspects of religiosity and spirituality that may influence recovery from 94 addiction are currently unclear, many communitybased approaches, such as the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous, are based on the premise that addiction is a spiritual, as well as a medical disorder, and that recovery is dependent upon surrender to a higher power (31).…”

Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Mutual Help Group Participation for Substance Use Problems

“…As noted above, studies generally did not control for SUD severity, so they may have missed disparities that would arise when accounting for intensity of treatment need. Another possibility is that prevalent religiosity/spirituality among Black populations 88 , 89 may make 12-step groups particularly appealing, counteracting any obstacles to participation. Other explanatory factors may include the higher rate of SUD treatment coercion among Black versus White populations, 90 which can include coercion to 12-step group participation, and differences in program emphasis on 12-step principles and participation within programs serving predominantly Blacks vs.…”

Spiritual awakening in 12-step recovery: Impact among residential aftercare residents.

“…Other powerful changes mentioned by AA members following their spiritual awakening include a loss of desire to drink, a sense of inner peace, and an increased desire to be in service of others (Forcehimes, 2004). Spiritual practices in 12-step programs, while not necessarily indicative of an awakening experience, are associated with increased abstinence, and this finding is replicated across several studies (Kaskutas et al, 2003;Kelly & Eddie, 2020;Kelly et al, 2011;Oakes et al, 2000;Robinson et al, 2007;Tonigan et al, 2013;Zemore, 2007).…”