Prevention
Title:
Citation: Koh HK, Frederick DE, Balboni TA, et al. Spirituality and Harmful or Hazardous Alcohol and Other Drug Use: A Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies. JAMA Psychiatry. 2026;83(4):363–378. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2025.4816
Key Points
Study Objective: What is the association between spiritual exposures and related drug use outcomes?
Findings: This meta-analysis of 55 rigorous studies on spirituality and harmful or hazardous drug use (alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or illicit drugs) documented a significant protective association of 13% related to both prevention of substance use and recovery from use. The risk reduction, which extended across all 4 drug categories, reached 18% for individuals with greater than weekly religious service attendance.
Notes from Duane McBride: These results show the role of faith engagement in prevention as well a recovery. These data show the importance of the Youth Alive Program in prevention. Researchers and clinicians need to be reminded of the role of religion in prevention and recovery!