The Role of Faith Communities in Addressing Substance Use and Crime – Reading List (Part 1)

In this reading list, we provide resources exploring the role of faith communities and faith-based organisations in addressing substance use, crime, violence and related social harms. Faith-based strategies draw on spiritual values, community networks, and pastoral support as key forms of social capital to promote wellbeing, prevent engagement in crime, prevent substance use, support recovery, reduce stigma , and strengthen community resilience.

Faith groups often serve as trusted and accessible partners within communities, helping to raise awareness, provide social support, facilitate referrals to professional services, and support the reintegration of individuals affected by substance use disorders or involvement in crime and violence. Emerging evidence also suggests that religiosity and community-level faith engagement may act as protective factors against substance use and certain forms of offending. When combined with evidence-based practices and strong partnerships with health, social, justice, and community services, faith-based approaches can contribute meaningfully to comprehensive health, crime prevention, and community safety efforts.

1. Faith-Based Interventions for Reducing Gang Violence in the Caribbean: Reflections from a Professor and a Priest

This book chapter explores the role of faith-based interventions in preventing and reducing gang violence in Trinidad and Tobago. Drawing on the perspectives of both a criminologist and a religious leader, it highlights how faith communities can contribute to violence prevention through community engagement, mentorship, social support, and the mobilisation of local resources. The chapter emphasises that gang violence should be viewed not only as a criminal justice issue but also as a community challenge requiring coordinated responses across sectors. It demonstrates how faith-based organisations can support safer and more resilient communities through partnerships with government, law enforcement, and civil society.

2. Spirituality and Harmful or Hazardous Alcohol and Other Drug Use

This resource examines the relationship between spirituality and harmful or hazardous alcohol and other drug use. It explores the potential protective role of spiritual beliefs and practices, as well as the ways spirituality may influence coping, resilience, wellbeing, and recovery from substance-related harms.

3. Religious Community and Faith vs. Substance Use Disorder

This webinar examines the relationship between religious participation, faith engagement, and substance use disorders. It discusses how faith communities can contribute to prevention, resilience, recovery support, and social connectedness while recognising the importance of integrating spiritual support with evidence-based treatment and professional care.

4. Religiosity and Crime: Evidence from a City-Wide Shock

This article explores the relationship between religiosity and crime through an analysis of crime patterns surrounding Pope Francis’s 2015 visit to Philadelphia. The findings reveal a significant decline in less serious crimes, particularly drug-related offences, during the visit and for several weeks afterwards. The effects were most pronounced in historically Christian neighbourhoods, suggesting that increased religious engagement and community cohesion may influence behaviour and social norms. The study provides evidence that faith and community-level religious participation may contribute to reducing certain forms of crime and promoting safer communities.

5. Opioid Crisis: A Practical Toolkit for Supporting Faith and Community Responses

Faith communities are often among the first places where individuals and families seek help during times of crisis. This practical toolkit provides guidance for faith leaders and community organisations on responding to the opioid crisis through awareness raising, stigma reduction, community engagement, referral pathways, and support for affected individuals and families. It offers practical actions that faith communities can take while working alongside healthcare and treatment services.

6. Belief, Behaviour, and Belonging: How Faith is Indispensable in Preventing Substance Use Disorders

Prevention efforts are often most effective when they strengthen protective factors within families and communities. This article explores how faith communities foster belonging, positive social norms, and supportive relationships that can reduce risk factors and strengthen resilience against substance use.

7. Faith-Based Addiction Recovery

Recovery often extends beyond formal treatment and involves rebuilding purpose, identity, relationships, and community connections. This resource explores how faith-based recovery approaches support individuals throughout the recovery journey by providing spiritual guidance, peer support, mentorship, and opportunities for meaningful community participation.

8. The Association Between Religiosity and Substance Use Patterns Among Women Involved in the Criminal Justice System

This study explores the relationship between religiosity and substance use patterns among women participating in a drug court programme in the United States. The findings suggest that higher levels of religiosity were associated with a lower likelihood of cocaine use, either alone or in combination with cannabis. While the relationship was not observed for cannabis use alone, the study highlights the potential role of religiosity as a protective factor that may support substance use prevention and recovery among justice-involved women. It also underscores the importance of considering broader social and demographic influences when addressing substance use and criminal justice involvement.

Key Takeaway

These resources demonstrate how faith-based strategies can contribute across the continuum of prevention, care, recovery, reintegration and community safety. Through social support, mentorship, community engagement, spiritual guidance, and the promotion of positive social norms, faith communities can strengthen protective factors that support wellbeing and resilience. The evidence highlighted in this reading list suggests that faith-based approaches may contribute not only to substance use prevention and recovery, but also to violence reduction, crime prevention, and successful reintegration among vulnerable and justice-involved populations. While faith-based approaches are not a substitute for professional treatment, prevention, or justice responses, they can complement evidence-based services and strengthen collaborative efforts to build healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities.