Influence of spirituality and religiosity on the use of alcohol and drugs: an integrative review

Abstract

Objective: to present an integrative review of the scientific literature about the possible influences of religiosity and spirituality as a protection factor on alcohol and drug abuse. Method: this is an integrative literature review, based on the following databases: LILACS - Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences; MEDLINE - Online Medical Literature Analysis and Recovery System; Nursing Database, covering the period from January 2009 to December 2019. Results: after reading and analysis, 12 articles were found. The influence of spirituality and religiosity was significant, acting in a protective way for healthy individuals and as a support in the treatment of addiction. Spiritual well being must be holistically treated in patient care. However, a deficit was found in academic education regarding spirituality and its relationship with mental health. Conclusion: spirituality and religion are factors that exert a positive influence on drug addicts undergoing treatment and provide protection for the mental health of vulnerable people, requiring integration of this content in the academic training of health professionals.