The role of spirituality/religiosity in the phenomenon of drug addiction: an integrative review of literature

Abstract

This study aims to point out the role of spirituality/religiosity in the drug addiction situation. The method used was the integrative review, with a survey at CAPES Periodicals; SciELO and VHL. After examining the 281 collected studies, 39 empirical works were selected for analysis. They were categorized into two major themes: "epidemiology" and "treatment". The studies were developed predominantly in the area of Health Sciences. The majority, 69.2%, focuses on epidemiological issues. 30.7% deal with rehabilitation processes. The results indicate that spirituality/religiosity works as a protective, preventive and/or healing factor (treatment). It is suggested that longitudinal and interdisciplinary researches should be developed considering specific contributions from Bioethics, Psychology of Religion and Practical Theology, in order to investigate the mechanisms of action of spirituality/religiosity in the context of drug addiction.