Date of Defense

4-24-2020

Date of Graduation

4-2020

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Victor Manzon

Second Advisor

Richard Szwaja

Abstract

This paper reviews empirical studies focused on spirituality and its effects on those in the recovery process from substance abuse. This paper will look at qualitative studies as well as quantitative research to see which form has derived the best results on how spirituality has affected substance abuse recovery. Prolonged recovery is the goal for those that struggle with substance use. Behavior change is an important in sustaining sobriety with those dealing with addiction. It is predicted that those who engage in spiritual growth within their community have a higher likelihood of prolonged recovery than those that do not believe in a higher power. This is predicted based on evidence given from the studies being reviewed in this paper. A review of the 12-step program is given along with the results it has on long-term recovery as well as a review on scales of measurement for spirituality are also looked at within this paper, since ways to measure faith is still being discussed for its reliability. I wrote this paper because people engage in spiritual practice on a regular basis without knowing. I think that therapy should try more to integrate spiritual practice because of its positive effects. I thought it was also important that all types of recovery treatment work together and to do that, research needs to find the most effective.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Open Access

Additional Files
presentation honors.pdf (55 kB)
Defense Presentation
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