The Role of Religion and Spirituality in Alcohol Use Treatment and Recovery: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Despite the belief that religion and spirituality considered the most important cultural factors that give
meaning to human behaviors and values, religion and spirituality have been equally ignored in the empirical
alcohol studies. The purpose of this integrative review paper is to identify the role of religion and spirituality
in alcohol use treatment and recovery. An integrative review has been utilized to address the issue. There
is a presentation of findings from research examining religion and spirituality and their relationship to
alcoholism. Treatment requires awareness of underlying causes to establish effective treatment approaches.
Determining these underlying causes requires adequate knowledge of underlying personal beliefs and values
that adheres to religions and spirituality. Health professionals across disciplines have an important role in
implementing multidisciplinary interventions. Results, controversies, and concerns raised by the reported
results are addressed. Implications for future research are delineated.