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Abstract
Although research interest on the relationship between spirituality and substance misuse has grown in breadth and depth since the latter part of the twentieth century, very little research examines sexual orientation differences in this relationship. The purpose of this study is to begin to address this omission by examining sexual orientation differences (heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual) in spirituality among a sample of 100 members of Alcoholics Anonymous. Spirituality was measured using the five-dimension Expressions of Spirituality Inventory–Revised. Persons who identified as homosexuals had significantly lower cognitive orientation toward spirituality compared to heterosexuals. Bisexuals had significantly higher paranormal beliefs scores compared to heterosexuals. The role of internalized homophobia due to the confounding of judgmental, disaffirming religious dogma with spirituality in interpreting study findings is explored. Practice implications for addressing spirituality in sexual minorities who undergo substance misuse treatment are examined.