Spirituality as a Protective Factor Against Substance Abuse in High-Risk Communities

Substance abuse remains a critical public health concern both in Malaysia and globally, particularly in communities exposed to poverty, violence, and social disorganization. Despite these adverse conditions, many individuals exhibit resilience and avoid drug use, suggesting the presence of protective factors. One of the most influential protective factors identified in recent studies is spirituality. This article explores the role of spirituality as a protective factor that mitigates the risk of substance abuse, even within high-risk environments. Drawing on theoretical and empirical evidence, the discussion highlights how spirituality fosters meaning, moral regulation, community belonging, and coping strategies that collectively prevent substance misuse. Recognizing spirituality as a protective factor offers valuable insights for prevention and intervention programs aimed at reducing drug abuse in vulnerable populations. This study examines how spirituality serves as a protective factor that strengthens resilience and reduces vulnerability to drug abuse. The semi-structured interviews aims to explored youth experiences of spiritual coping and religious practices. Findings indicate that spirituality rooted strongly in Islamic faith promotes emotional regulation, enhances self-control, and increases social support from the religious community (ummah). Spiritual values and religious activities such as prayer, mosque involvement, and guidance from religious leaders contribute to resisting substance misuse. Implications emphasize the need for prevention programs incorporating faith-based components within Malaysia’s cultural and religious context