“Create in Me a Clean Heart”: The Role of Spirituality in Desistance From Substance Use
Department
Sociology and Criminal Justice
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-1-2019
Abstract
Although the impact of religion on behavior is robust and well-examined in many areas, the role spirituality plays in changes in drug use over time has received relatively little attention. Using a life-course theoretical framework, this relationship is examined through growth curve modeling techniques. Specifically, multilevel analyses are estimated testing within-person relationships between substance use desistance and spirituality. The Pathways to Desistance longitudinal data are analyzed and leading criminological predictors are included, to determine if spirituality has a unique impact on substance use net of these criminological factors, and if these impacts vary across gender. Results from these analyses suggest that the impact of spirituality on desistance varies by gender, with spirituality significantly increasing the odds of desistance from marijuana use for females, but not males.
Journal Title
Journal of Drug Issues
Journal ISSN
0022-0426
Volume
49
Issue
2
First Page
203
Last Page
227
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1177/0022042618823006