This meta-analysis synthesises evidence from 55 longitudinal studies involving more than 540,000 participants to examine the relationship between spirituality and harmful or hazardous alcohol and other drug (AOD) use. The findings demonstrate a consistent protective association, with spirituality linked to a 13% reduction in the risk of alcohol and other drug use across prevention and recovery outcomes. Among individuals who regularly participated in spiritual or religious communities, the protective effect increased to an 18% reduction in risk.

The review found that nearly all included...

This systematic review examines the association between religiosity, spirituality, and cocaine use by analysing findings from 20 observational studies involving adults and adolescents. Most studies found that higher levels of religiosity were associated with lower lifetime and current cocaine use, suggesting that religious engagement may serve as a protective factor against substance use.

The review also highlights important exceptions. One study involving sexual minority participants found that certain forms of private religious practice were associated with higher cocaine use, while several...

This chapter reviews the evidence on the relationship between religion, crime, and the criminal justice system. It highlights a growing body of research showing a consistent inverse association between religiosity and criminal behaviour, suggesting that higher levels of religious involvement are often linked to lower levels of offending.

The authors also discuss how these findings can inform crime prevention strategies and criminal justice policy. They argue that collaboration between faith communities and criminal justice systems may strengthen prevention efforts and contribute to more...

Nos complace compartir el lanzamiento del Manual de Pastoral de Adicciones, una iniciativa desarrollada por la Pastoral Latinoamericana de las Adicciones (PLAPA) y el CELAM.

Este manual ofrece una guía pastoral para la prevención, el acompañamiento y la reconstrucción de vidas afectadas por el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas, promoviendo un enfoque integral, comunitario y centrado en la dignidad de la persona. Basado en la metodología Ver – Juzgar – Actuar, reúne experiencias, orientaciones y herramientas prácticas para parroquias, diócesis, escuelas y organizaciones eclesiales...

This article explores how faith-based recovery programs combine spiritual support with evidence-based addiction treatment to help people achieve and maintain recovery. These programs integrate religious beliefs and practices with services such as detoxification, counselling, behavioural therapies, rehabilitation, and aftercare.

Faith-based approaches may provide additional benefits through shared values, community support, accountability, and opportunities to address feelings of shame and stigma often associated with substance use disorders. The article also highlights a range of faith...

This meta-analysis reviewed 55 longitudinal studies involving more than 540,000 participants to examine the relationship between spirituality and harmful or hazardous alcohol and other drug use. The findings show that spiritual and religious involvement is associated with a 13% reduction in the risk of substance use and related harms, with even stronger protective effects among individuals who regularly participate in religious communities.

The protective association was observed across alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and other illicit drugs, and was linked to both prevention of substance use and...

This practical toolkit highlights the role of faith-based and community leaders in responding to the opioid crisis in the United States. Developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, it recognizes that community and faith organizations are often among the first to support individuals and families affected by addiction.

The toolkit encourages local action through prevention, recovery support, and community engagement, while emphasizing compassion, hope, and partnership. It also reflects growing recognition that addressing opioid use disorder requires collaboration between...