Intercessory prayer in the treatment of alcohol abuse and dependence: a pilot investigation.
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.
Walker
S R
SR
University of New Mexico, USA.
Tonigan
J S
JS
Miller
W R
WR
Corner
S
S
Kahlich
L
L
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