Faith-Based

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

Reading List

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...

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

Book

1 January 2015

This book chapter explores the role of faith-based interventions in preventing and reducing gang violence in Trinidad and Tobago. Drawing on the experiences of a criminologist and a religious leader, it argues that gang violence should be...

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

Scientific article

1 April 2021

This study explores the relationship between religiosity and substance use patterns among women involved in the criminal justice system. Using data from women participating in a drug court programme in the United States, the researchers...

Religiosity and crime: Evidence from a city-wide shock

Scientific article

1 April 2025

This study examines the relationship between religiosity and crime using data from the 2015 visit of Pope Francis to Philadelphia. By analysing daily crime reports before, during, and after the visit, the researchers found a significant...

TALK RECOVERY, TALK SAFE SPACES FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Opinion piece, commentary

7 May 2026

May is recognized globally as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to encourage open conversations, challenge stigma, and promote emotional well-being for all. Across many cultures, however, men continue to face unique barriers when it...

Sammy Ombisa with a group of men in a safe space discussing mental health and addiction Reciovery.

The Opioid Crisis Practical Toolkit: Supporting Faith and Community Responses

Toolkit

This practical toolkit highlights the role of faith-based and community leaders in responding to the opioid crisis in the United States. Developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, it recognizes that community and faith...

Belief, Behavior, and Belonging: How Faith is Indispensable in Preventing and Recovering from Substance Abuse

Scientific article

21 July 2019

This study reviews evidence on the role of faith and spirituality in preventing substance use and supporting recovery. It highlights that many addiction treatment programs in the United States include a spiritual component, particularly...

Strengthening Faith-Based Responses to Substance Use and Crime: ISSUP and CICAD to Host Knowledge Exchange Session in Latin America

News

ISSUP, in collaboration with the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), will host a high-priority Knowledge Exchange Session on Faith-Based Approaches, bringing together ISSUP National Chapters across Latin America to...

2026 National Drug Control Strategy - The White House

Guide

4 May 2026

The 2026 National Drug Control Strategy outlines a comprehensive roadmap to reduce illicit drug use and protect communities across the United States. It prioritizes stopping the flow of drugs and precursor chemicals at all borders through...

Faith-based intervention, change in religiosity, and abstinence among people with substance use disorders

Scientific article

23 June 2021

This study examines how changes in religiosity influence recovery outcomes among people in addiction treatment. It finds that individuals in faith-based programs show higher and increasing levels of religiosity over time, which is linked to...