Religiousity May Reduce Teen Drug Use

A new national study from Brigham Young University indicates that religiosity makes teens less likely to use marijuana, to smoke cigarettes, and to engage in heavy drinking. The study, published on October 13, 2008, in the Journal of Drug Issues purports to settle a long-disputed question among researchers.

The study found that the same was not true for strong illicit drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Researchers explain this discrepancy as a matter of social norms. BYU sociology professor and study co-author Stephen Bahr says, “There are pretty strong social norms against illicit drugs throughout society, so even if you aren't religious, you receive many messages against illicit drugs. But that may be less so for drinking, smoking and even using marijuana, which tend to be strongly opposed by many religious groups.”

The study uses the term “religiosity” to indicate participation in an organized religion, but not any one denomination. The study found that religiosity reduced the influence of peers, which can be a powerful risk factor. In addition, the study found that simply growing up in a religious family or community was not sufficient to reduce risk. Individual participation in religion by teens was what produced significant differences. (Source: ScienceDaily)

posted by Vee @ 10:40 AM