Religious Involvement and Substance Use among Adults. The NSDUH Report

摘要

Public opinion polling has shown that 63 percent of Americans were members of a church or synagogue in 2006. Religiosity has been identified in other research as an important protective factor against substance use. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) includes questions on religious service attendance and religious beliefs. Respondents are asked to indicate how many times in the past 12 months they attended religious services, excluding special occasions such as weddings, funerals, or other special events. Respondents also are asked whether their religious beliefs are a very important part of their lives and whether their religious beliefs influence how they make decisions in their lives. NSDUH also includes questions about use of cigarettes, alcohol, and illicit drugs during the month (or 30 days) prior to the interview.