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One mechanism by which 12-step programs facilitate abstinence from substances is the substitution of self-preoccupation with attention to people and processes outside oneself, which can provide additional support and motivation for sobriety. These researchers aimed to determine whether lifetime religiosity affects adherence to a 12-step program and improves substance-related and psychosocial outcomes. Participants were 195 adolescents (ages, 14–18) in a 2-month residential treatment program (83% were court-referred). On admission, investigators assessed lifetime religiosity with measures of belief in and awareness of God and religious behaviors such as prayer and meditation.
Most patients had marijuana dependence (92%); 60% had comorbid alco…