It has been documented that alcoholics often become abstinent after a religious experience. We have inquired into the religious teachings, beliefs, practices, and experiences of a group of chronic alcoholics. It was observed that alcoholics were less involved in religious practices, had less exposure to religious teachings, had fewer religious experiences, and withdrew from religion more frequently during adolescence than did a group of normal subjects. It is concluded that early-life religious experiences of an alcoholic are most conflictual and lead to religious confusion rather than commitment.
(C) 1980 Southern Medical Association