Severity of Alcohol Dependence: Impact on Spirituality in Early Treatment Process

摘要

Despite the increase in formalized research on the relationship between spirituality and alcohol dependence, a review of the empirical literature highlighted gaps in the research, as the predominant focus has been on the role of spirituality in the recovery process. This study addressed those gaps by examining how the severity of alcohol dependence impacted spiritual beliefs, attitudes, experiences, lifestyle practices, and spiritual well-being in a sample of 180 men and women in early treatment for alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to analyze data. Hypothesis 1 was supported, as increasing severity of alcohol dependence predicted decreasing levels of spiritual well-being. Hypothesis 2 was potentially supported, as increasing severity of alcohol dependence unexpectedly predicted higher levels of existential well-being. Implications for assessment and treatment are discussed.