Protective Effects of Religion: Drug Use, HIV Risk, and Violence Research in Support of Current Health Policy Initiatives

Abstract

This article highlights findings that examine how religiosity may influence drug use, HIV risk behavior, and violence. Findings indicate that religiosity is associated with less drug use, decreased engagement in HIV risk behaviors, and less exposure to and engagement in violence. The data presented in this paper imply that communities of faith and religious institutions may be important access points for HIV risk and violence preventionheduction projects. Those who attend worship services may be more willing to successfully participate in these behavioral change endeavors. The data suggest that it is important to incorporate religiosity into a broad array of thinking about drug use.