The effect of religious factors on intoxicant use

To examine cigarette, alcohol and drug use among undergraduates in Cork a precoded questionnaire was mailed to one in seven (458) students, chosen systematically. The response rate was 97%. Religious belief and practice was significantly associated with pattern of drinking behaviour, attitude to alcohol use, marijuana, L.S.D., barbiturate or amphetamine experience and cigarette smoking. It is suggested that current uncertainty of belief in a God and infrequent attendance at religious services are more important factors in promoting alcohol use than being brought up a Roman Catholic. The nature of practices considered serious misdemeanours was significantly associated with religious belief and practice, pattern of drinking behaviour, attitude to alcohol use, marijuana, cigarette smoking. These associations allowed separation of two overlapping groups, one of which was tradition-directed and other which swung towards a more liberal and unstructured life style.