title: Attitudes held by members of the clergy about alcohol.
abstract: Alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse continue to cause major threats to the physiological, psychological, sociological and spiritual health of the nation. According to recent statistics, over 80% of the illegal drugs used by youth, both male and female, is marijuana, with cocaine, opium and their derivatives comprising at least 15% of the drugs used by youth. When considering the ill effects of drug abuse, it is the legal one, alcohol that is responsible for the greatest impact on society. While it remains imperative that allied health professionals understand the many ramifications of substance abuse, it is also critical that leaders of faith communities have the knowledge and skills to meet this challenge competently. Due to the relevance of ministries as a possible resource, the focus of this exploratory study is to assess the knowledge, skills and attitudes of clergy about substance use and abuse and to determine their confidence of clergy in assisting their congregation with need related to this area.
authors.affiliation: University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Mail slot 4903, 1200 N. University Drive, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603, USA. bonniehatchett@aol.com
authors.forename: Bonnie
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hatchett
authors.forename: Karen Y
authors.initials: KY
authors.lastname: Holmes
authors.forename: Rosemarie
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bryan-Young
authors.forename: Bernita
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Patterson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000517:prevention & control; D019973:Alcohol-Related Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002977:Clergy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000517:prevention & control; D008875:Middle Aged; D010327:Pastoral Care / Q000379:methods*; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D029181:Spirituality; D014481:United States