Chances of Alcohol and Drug Addiction are Less in Religious Youths: Study

Religious youngsters are less likely to indulge in drinking alcohol or doing drugs, according to a research.

Alcohol and drug abuse is typical teen behavior that can progress into a permanent habit causing long-term damage to health and well-being. Studies have found that many children and young adults take up drinking alcohol and use mind-altering substances just to experiment or under the influence of friends and peers. Intake of these substances before 21 years can affect their brain and health. Recently, researchers at the Baylor University's Institute for Studies of Religion and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine found these behaviors were less common in youths who are religiously inclined.

The study involved 195 juvenile offenders who sought two-month mental health treatment and used their medical data, drug screening review and reports by family and physicians. The experts particularly examined four aspects- alcohol or drug intake, urge to drink or do drugs, pro-social behavior and narcissistic behavior to measure possibility of indulging in drugs and alcohol in those who were ardent followers of religion.

About 40 percent of the subjects described themselves to be agnostic or atheists. It was observed the higher the participant's belief in religion, religious habits or spirituality, lesser the likelihood of involving in drug and alcohol usage and addiction.

"Daily spiritual experiences" such as prayer or worship also were associated with "a greater likelihood of sexual abstinence, increased prosocial behaviors and reduced narcissistic behaviors," write the authors in the study.

Past psychological trials have confirmed individuals who have faith in religion or are highly spiritual are mostly at ease with themselves and feel less pressurized to fit in. Children and adolescents engage in risky behaviors to rebel and express their need to gain acceptance.

The findings of the current research indicate that involvement in religion is an effective method of instilling safe and healthy habits in youngsters and prevent them from developing risky behaviors.

"Changes in spirituality during treatment may serve as the 'switch' that moves youth off the track of substance dependency and onto the track of recovery and enhanced well-being," the authors write.

More information is available online in the Alcohol Treatment Quarterly.