Высокий уровень духовности снижает риск вредного употребления алкоголя и наркотиков

Shafaqna English- A large meta-analysis published in JAMA Psychiatry has found that higher levels of spirituality are associated with a reduced risk of harmful alcohol and drug use, with the strongest protective effects observed among people actively engaged in spiritual or religious communities, according to PsyPost. Researchers analyzing data from more than 540,000 participants across 55 studies found that individuals with higher levels of spirituality were 13% less likely to engage in harmful or hazardous use of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and other psychoactive substances. The study, led by Howard K. Koh and colleagues, examined research published between 2000 and 2022 that explored the relationship between spirituality and substance use outcomes. The analysis included large longitudinal studies and clinical trials involving participants from diverse backgrounds. According to the findings, the protective effect was even stronger among people who regularly participated in spiritual or religious services. Individuals attending such gatherings more than once a week showed an 18% lower risk of harmful substance use compared with those who were less engaged. The researchers define spirituality as a search for meaning, purpose, connection, and transcendence, encompassing relationships with oneself, others, nature, and what individuals consider sacred or significant. Overall, 60% of the reported effects indicated at least a 10% reduction in substance-use risk among more spiritual individuals, while 17% showed reductions of 20% or more. The authors suggest that spirituality may serve as a valuable component of both prevention and recovery efforts, complementing community-based and clinical approaches to substance-use challenges. However, they caution that the observed associations were relatively modest and do not prove that spirituality directly causes lower substance use. Most of the studies included were observational, meaning other social, psychological, or environmental factors may also contribute to the relationship. The researchers conclude that further studies are needed to better understand how spiritual beliefs and practices may support long-term health and recovery from substance-related harms. Source: PsyPost