Medizinische Universität Graz - Research portal

Go directly to the nagivation.
Go directly to the content.

Navigation/Search

Selected Publication:

SHR Neuro Cancer Cardio Lipid Metab Microb

Erbler, M; Neubert, J; Unterrainer, HF; Vorstius, C.
Religious-Spiritual Welt-Being and Addiction In Polytoxicomanic Patients
SUCHT. 2021; 67(3): 143-150. Doi: 10.1024/0939-5911/a000712 [OPEN ACCESS]
Web of Science FullText FullText_MUG

Co-authors Med Uni Graz: Unterrainer Human-Friedrich
Altmetrics:
Dimensions Citations:
Plum Analytics:
Scite (citation analytics):
Abstract:: Background: Substance use disorders have a multifactorial aetiology and are widespread in all parts of society. Long-term abstinence from all psychotropic substances, including substitutes, remains an elusive goal for many addicts.Aim: For a number of previously active drug addicts, the spiritual programme of Narcotics Anonymous (NA) seems to be an important support mechanism for a drug-free life. As spirituality is one assumed foundation of NA support group effectiveness, the influence of spiritual content and practices on successful abstinence will be examined. Methods: We investigated to what extent polytoxicomanic patients (PPO, n = 43. 12f, 31 m). who were in in- and outpatient treatment at an addiction clinic, differed in their Religious/Spiritual Well-Being (RSWB) from a sample of patients (NA, n = 55, 26f, 29 m) who had not been consuming psychotropic substances for at least 12 months and who attended NA meetings regularly. In addition, we investigated whether an increase in the intensity of self-reported RSWB is related to the duration of abstinence. Results: Our results show significantly higher values in RSWB for the NA compared to the PPO group. However, there was no significant relationship between the length of abstinence and RSWB. Conclusion: Polytoxicomanic patients, who successfully reached abstinence, differ in the extent of RSWB from those who are still dependent, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Experimental and longitudinal research is needed to further explore the causal relationships between spirituality and abstinence in people with (multiple-) substance use disorders.
Find related publications in this database (Keywords): Narcotics Anonymous; polytoxicomania; religious-spiritual well-being; abstinence; 12-step-mutual-help groups