This study examines how religious support during and after incarceration influences substance use and recidivism among people returning to the community. Using data from the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative, the authors distinguish between individuals' initial levels of religious support while incarcerated and changes in religious support after release.

The findings show that increases in religious support during reentry are associated with lower levels of substance use after release. While baseline religious support alone did not reduce substance use or offending, individuals...

This book chapter explores the role of faith-based interventions in preventing and reducing gang violence in Trinidad and Tobago. Drawing on the experiences of a criminologist and a religious leader, it argues that gang violence should be viewed not only as a criminal justice issue but also as a community challenge that requires coordinated responses from multiple sectors.

The chapter describes faith-based initiatives implemented in a community affected by gang violence and highlights how religious organizations can contribute through community engagement, social support, mentorship, and...

This study explores the relationship between religiosity and substance use patterns among women involved in the criminal justice system. Using data from women participating in a drug court programme in the United States, the researchers found that higher levels of religiosity were associated with a lower likelihood of cocaine use, either alone or in combination with cannabis.

The findings suggest that religiosity may serve as a protective factor for some forms of substance use, although the same association was not observed for cannabis use alone. Other factors linked to substance use...

This study examines the relationship between religiosity and crime using data from the 2015 visit of Pope Francis to Philadelphia. By analysing daily crime reports before, during, and after the visit, the researchers found a significant reduction in less serious crimes, particularly drug-related offences, during the week of the visit and for several weeks afterward.

The effects were strongest in historically Christian neighbourhoods, suggesting that increased religious engagement or community cohesion may have influenced behaviour. The study also compared the findings with President Obama’s...

This study reviews evidence on the role of faith and spirituality in preventing substance use and supporting recovery. It highlights that many addiction treatment programs in the United States include a spiritual component, particularly through 12-step models that emphasize support from a Higher Power.

The research finds that faith-based recovery programs and congregation-led support groups provide significant social and economic value, contributing substantial savings through volunteer-led recovery support services. Most studies reviewed also suggest that faith is generally associated with...

ISSUP, in collaboration with the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), will host a high-priority Knowledge Exchange Session on Faith-Based Approaches, bringing together ISSUP National Chapters across Latin America to strengthen collaboration, share experiences, and advance community and faith-based responses to substance use and crime related challenges. The session will be held online via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, at the following times: 

• Mexico, El Salvador: 08:00 

• Panama: 09:00 

• Washington DC, Chile: 10:00 

• Brazil: 11:00 

This...