title: Intercessory prayer in the treatment of alcohol abuse and dependence: a pilot investigation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To conduct a pilot study of the effect of intercessory prayer on patients entering treatment for alcohol abuse or dependence.
  
  
  METHODS
  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) by 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 reduction. 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 themselves was associated with less drinking, but only at months 2 and 3.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: University of New Mexico, USA.
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Tonigan
authors.forename: W R
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Corner
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kahlich
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000628:therapy*; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012067:Religion; D012068:Religion and Medicine