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The effects of spiritual practices on recovery from substance abuse
Author(s) -
TM Carter
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
journal of psychiatric and mental health nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.69
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1365-2850
pISSN - 1351-0126
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2850.1998.00153.x
Subject(s) - substance use , substance abuse , psychology , psychotherapist , medicine , psychiatry
Twelve‐step programs have stressed the importance of spiritual practices for over four decades. The spiritual principles embodied in the twelve‐step programs may be key in their success of recovering addicts/alcoholics with an overall recovery rate of 34%. A literature search revealed little available data on spiritual principles and practices and their effects on long‐term recovery from substance abuse. This study compared two groups of recovering addicts, those with one year of recovery and those with less than one year and a history of relapse. Spiritual practices were measured using a five‐point Likert scale questionnaire. The results of the study indicated a relationship between spiritual practices and long‐term recovery from substance abuse.