Religious coping in patients with severe substance use disorders receiving acute inpatient detoxification

Abstract

Background and Objectives Religious coping, one of the most widely studied components of spirituality among psychiatric populations, has rarely been addressed in patients with severe substance use disorders (SUD). The aim of our study was to elucidate whether religious coping is related to symptom expression and mutual-help participation. Methods Self-reported religious coping was assessed in individuals sequentially admitted to a private psychiatric hospital for inpatient detoxification. Target symptoms of SUD included severity of substance use prior to admission and craving during detoxification. Three hundred thirty-one patients (68.6% male) participated in the survey; mean age was 38.0 years, and primary presenting diagnosis was most commonly alcohol use disorder (n=202; 61%), followed by opioid use disorder (n=119; 36%). Results Positive religious coping was associated with significantly greater mutual-help participation, fewer days of drug use prior to admission, and was modestly, yet significantly associated with lower drug craving. Negative religious coping was associated with lower confidence in the ability to remain abstinent post-discharge and higher drug craving. Conclusions Consistent with hypotheses, greater positive religious coping was associated with greater mutual-help participation, lower severity of pre-admission drug use, and lower substance craving during detoxification. Use of positive religious coping may modify the course of SUD recovery by promoting engagement in mutual-help activities.

Belief, Behavior, and Belonging: How Faith is Indispensable in Preventing and Recovering from Substance Abuse

“…People who use PRC tend to seek spiritual support and meaning when inflicted by traumatic events; by contrast, people who resort to negative religious coping (NRC) can have a hard time recovering, as they experience spiritual complications and express doubt about the issues of God and faith. For instance, Medlock et al (2017) found that PRC had a positive correlation with a patient’s reduced cravings and increased productive participation in 12-step meetings, whereas patients who relied on NRC suffered withdrawal symptoms more acutely and benefited less from the 12-step meetings.…”

Ups and downs of drug rehab among women: a qualitative study

“…In addition, factors such as addicted friends, psychological stress, referring to the former locations or hangouts, unpleasant situations, being rejected by the family and society, and seeing the tools and objects of drug use are other factors in this regard [14]. Studies have shown that religion and its related variables decrease suicidal behaviors [15] and drug use [16]. Unfortunately, numerous studies have shown that there is a high likelihood of relapse into substance use after stopping it.…”

Ups and downs of drug rehab among women: a qualitative study

“…Studies show that religion and its related variables lead to a decrease in suicidal behaviors (19). and drug abuse (20). Considering the positive relationship between the religious attitude and the quality of life of addicted people, it is believed that institutionalization of religious beliefs and the related practice can help these people gain self-esteem, self confidence and dignity.…”