INTERCESSORY PRAYER IN THE TREATMENT OF ALCOHOL ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE: A PILOT INVESTIGATION

Author(s): Tonigan, J., Miller, W., Comer, S., Kahlich, L.

Abstract: Objective: To conduct a pilot study of the effect of intercessory prayer on patients entering treatment for alcohol abuse or dependence.Design: In addition to standard treatment, 40 patients admitted to a public substance abuse treatment facility for treatment of alcohol problems who consented to participate were randomized to receive or not receive intercessory prayer (double-blind) b outside volunteers.Assessments were conducted at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months.Results: No differences were found between prayer intervention and nonintervention groups on alcohol, consumption. Compared with a normative group of patients treated at the same facility, participants in the prayer study experienced a delay in drinking redaction. Those who reported at baseline that a family member or friend was already praying for them were found to be drinking significantly more at 6 months than were those who reported being unaware of anyone praying for them. Greater frequency of prayer by the participants them selves was associated with less drinking, but only at months 2 and 3. Conclusion: Intercessory prayer did not demonstrate clinical benefit in the treatment of alcohol abuse and dependence under these study conditions. Prayer may be a complex phenomenon with many interacting variables.

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