Religious teens are less likely to drink alcohol, smoke tobacco, or use other drugs, according to a new study published in the Journal of Drug Issues.

The study found that individual religiosity is linked to being less likely to use alcohol or to smoke, and decreases a teen's chances of using marijuana by half. However, religiosity did not affect cocaine or heroin abuse.

Researchers from Brigham Young University looked at answers to these two questions given by over 14,000 teens: How often do you attend church? and How important is religion to you?

"Previously it was thought that if someone grew up in a religious community and went to church, then the community's religious strength would make a difference," said Professor Stephen Bahr, co-author of the study. "We basically found that was not the case. Individual religiosity is what makes the difference."

Labels: drug_use, influences, religion