Religiosity as a Protective Factor Against the Use of Drugs

Abstract

Although many studies have suggested that risk and protective factors are related to the use of drugs, their role has not been given due importance. More attention to protective factors could make them a fundamental tool in prevention programs. Since low socioeconomic level and adolescence are known as risk factors, the aim of this study was to identify which factors would prevent Brazilian adolescents from low-income families from using drugs. A qualitative method and an intentional sample selected by criteria were adopted for this investigation. During 2003, sixty-two youngsters, ages 16 to 24 years old, 30 drug users, and 32 nonusers were administered a semistructured interview. The subjects perceived family and religiosity as important protective factors in their lives. With regard to religiosity, 81% of nonusers believed in and practiced a religion, whereas only 13% of users considered themselves as being religious. The belief in and practice of a religion were also more evident among family members of nonusers (74%) than those of users (33%). These results indicated that religion may be a relevant protective factor for the sample studied, helping the family unit in keeping youth away from drugs. The study's limitations were noted.

Keywords:

• protective factors
• risk factors
• religiosity
• relgion

Notes

¹The reader is reminded that the concepts, risk and protective factors, and processes are often noted in the literature without in any way helping one to adequately understand their dimensions (linear, nonlinear), their “demands,” the critically necessary conditions that are necessary for either of them to operate (begin, continue, become anchored and integrate, change as de facto realities change, cease, etc.) or not; and whether their underpinnings are theory-driven, empirically based, individual, and/or systemic stake-holder-bound, based on “principles of faith.” It is necessary to adeqautely know what is necessary—endogenously as well as exogenously—for these processes to carry out what they are posited to do. This is necessary to clarify if these terms are not to remain as yet additional shibboleths in a field of many stereotypes. Editor's note.