@article{ref1,
title="Intercessory prayer in the treatment of alcohol abuse and dependence: a pilot investigation",
journal="Alternative therapies in health and medicine",
year="1997",
author="Walker, Sonya R. and Tonigan, J. S. and Miller, William R. and Corner, S. and Kahlich, L.",
volume="3",
number="6",
pages="79-86",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: To conduct a pilot study of the effect of intercessory prayer on patients entering treatment for alcohol abuse or dependence. DESIGN: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1078-6791",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}