O impacto da religiosidade na infância e adolescência sobre o padrão de consumo em adultos dependentes de crack

Abstract

Introduction: Although many studies have shown a protective effect of religiosity against drug use and abuse, there is little information on the impact of religious involvement during childhood and adolescence on the consumption pattern of substances by drug-dependent adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study of crack-dependent adults admitted to 20 Therapeutic Communities in seven Brazilian states. Logistic regression analyses were used in order to estimate the odds ratio (OR), adjusted for demographic variables, for the association between religious history (church service attendance and participation in activities related to religion such as meetings, youth groups, social projects and charity) in the age groups of 8-11, 12-14 and 15-17 years old, and behaviors regarding crack use. Results: Out of a total of 531 respondents, 98.9% believed in God, and 86.1% had a religion. Religious history was related to lower consumption initiation before the age of 18 years (OR: 0.95 [95% CI 0.92-0.98]) and less craving (OR: 0.95 [0.91 - 0.99]). Religious involvement at 15-17 years of age was associated with less chance of early consumption before the age of 18 years (OR: 0.87 [0.80-0.95]), consumption of less than 10 rocks (OR: 0.87 [0.80-0.95]) and less craving (OR: 0.86 [0.74-0.99]). Religious history in the three age groups was related to better quality of life in the psychological domain. The relationship between religious involvement at 15-17 years of age and less chance of early crack use before the age of 18 was partially mediated by social activities (22% of the total effect) and relationship with parents (17% of the total effect) . Conclusion: Religiosity provides some protection on the consumption pattern and better perception regarding quality of life in the psychological domain, even in severe crack addicts.