Faith and spirituality can play a beneficial role in the prevention of drug and alcohol misuse. Furthermore, it has long been acknowledged that both can be significant ingredients in programs designed to treat, promote and recover from substance use disorders.
Alcoholics Anonymous, founded by “Bill W”, the most widely known self-help treatment for alcohol and/or drug abusers, is a faith-based 12-step program. By 12 step, it means that each of the members of AA uses those 12 steps to advance their understanding of themselves, the reasons they drink (or use drugs), and explore other avenues that lead the member to be able to handle their cravings for alcohol or drugs, or both. Those 12 steps, used by most treatment centers in the United States, are rooted in faith in a spiritual being – God or another interpretation of ones “higher power.”
Faith communities can actively support prevention initiatives and mobilize their own resources to tackle substance abuse issues. These groups help reinforce strong values that discourage unhealthy temptations. Faith communities often help people guide their lives and resist peer pressure.
Faith communities can discourage alcohol or substance misuse by:
Providing important information to individuals so they can make healthy decisions.
Teaching people to identify social influences such as advertising and peer pressure that encourage substance abuse.
Teaching young people how to develop personal and social skills to resist pressure to use.
Encouraging and supporting substance-free social activities, environments and relationships in the community.
Establishing guidelines for safe, healthy and appropriate behavior for members in the community.
Linking with other agencies, institutions and organizations to design and implement prevention efforts that reflect diversity and address the needs, interests and concerns of the community.
Supporting community policies that restrict advertising and access to alcohol and tobacco by youth.
Supporting ongoing community dialog to influence community norms about substance abuse prevention.
Personal faith can also be an important part of a person’s journey from alcohol abuse to recovery. Faith communities regularly help individuals and families who are experiencing substance abuse problems.
For more information about faith-based initiatives in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services administration, call 1-800-729-6686
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