Religious Belief and the Initiation and Prevention of Drug Use Among Youth (From Intervening With Drug-Involved Youth, P 110-130, 1996, Clyde B. McCoy, Lisa R. Metsch, et. al., eds.- See NCJ-164513)

• NCJ Number: 164519
• Author(s): D C McBride; P B Mutch; D D Chitwood
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 21 pages
• Sale Source: Sage Publications, Inc
• Publication Type: Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The role of religion in the prevention of alcohol and drug use in contemporary society is examined, with emphasis on the theological and philosophical underpinnings of religious views, research findings regarding religiosity and drug use, and data from two colleges operated by an officially abstinent church.

Abstract

Judaism, conservative Christianity, and Islam emphasize the importance of righteous character development, the believer's responsibility to maintain a healthy body, and the necessity of a right relationship with God. All three traditions regard drug abuse as immoral. Empirical research has revealed that specific religious commitment may be an important component of abstinence decisions among religious youth, particularly minority religious youth. These data further suggest that religious institutions could have an important role in emphasizing religious commitment as a means of preventing juvenile drug use. Recently, the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment has published material advocating the involvement of religious groups in prevention. The literature also indicates that religious values are an integral part of treatment and recovery. Tables and 58 references