Spirituality, Religiousness, and Alcoholism Treatment Outcomes: A Comparison Between Black and White Participants

• NCJ Number: 230679
• Journal: Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly Volume: 28 Issue: 2 Dated: April-June 2010 Pages: 128-150
• Author(s): Amy R. Krentzman, Ph.D.; Kathleen J. Farkas, Ph.D.; Aloen L. Twonsend, Ph.D.
• Date Published: April 2010
• Length: 23 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health and Human Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study explored race as a moderator of the relationship between spirituality and religiousness and alcoholism treatment outcomes.

Abstract

This study addresses an unexplained finding in the alcoholism treatment field: despite the health and socioeconomic disparities that exist between Blacks and Whites at intake, Blacks and Whites achieve equivalent treatment outcomes. Using Project MATCH data, this study explores religiousness and spirituality as strengths in the African-American community that may account in part for equivalent outcomes. Using binary logistic regression, this study found that as purpose in life increased, Blacks were more likely to achieve sobriety than Whites. This study provides evidence that purpose in life is a cultural strength and an advantage among Blacks in achieving sobriety. Tables, figure, and references (Published Abstract)