Religion Links Antisocial Traits to Drug Use in Iran

A recent study examined a large cohort of participants from Iran to investigate whether religious belief could explain the relationship between antisocial traits and drug use.

Methodology

• Participants: Thousands of individuals across diverse demographics.
• Data Collection:
• Religiosity: Measured through standardized belief and practice scales.
• Drug Use: Frequency of illegal substance consumption recorded via self‑report questionnaires.
• Behavioral Assessment: Antisocial behaviors—such as aggression and rule‑breaking—were quantified using validated psychometric instruments.

Key Findings

• Buffer Effect of Religiosity:
  Higher levels of religious belief were associated with a reduced likelihood of drug use, even among those exhibiting antisocial tendencies.
• Limitations:
  Some highly religious participants still engaged in drug use, indicating that additional factors influence risk behaviors.

Implications

The study suggests that faith can serve as a valuable tool in mitigating risky behavior, yet it is not an all‑encompassing solution. Future research should explore:

• The impact of specific religious practices (e.g., prayer, communal worship).
• The role of community support structures in reinforcing protective effects.