Study: Spirituality reduces risk of hazardous substance use

In the first study of its kind, spirituality was shown to be effective in reducing alcohol and drug use. Researchers used evidence from 55 spirituality studies to show the overall effect of risk reduction by religion. The authors used a broad definition of spirituality, and also one related to weekly service attendance. Spirituality was associated with a 13% reduction in risk, and weekly service attendance with an 18% reduction in risk. The outcomes applied to both prevention and recovery.