Addiction prevention in the family: perspectives from prevention science in Islam

Abstract

Background: Addiction is a disease that abuses the brain and body of the user of psychoactive substance and/or one who engages deleteriously with some habitual processes. It harms the systems of families which are the cradle of society and civilization. As a supra-major obstacle to the success of individuals and families, Islam provides its prevention methodology as a means to mount and sustain evidence-based addiction prevention intervention.

Methods: This paper employs the three levels of prevention science (i.e. primary, secondary and tertiary) to illustrate the application of Islamic teachings in relation to curbing addiction in the family and society. This is by presenting Islamic teachings as both protective mechanisms and relapse prevention tools and how this fits the demand (i.e. predisposition) and supply (i.e. availability) dichotomy across the levels of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention.

Results: The foundation of Islamic prevention approaches starts with the Muslim knowing that he/she is responsible to both God and to some extent the society. This responsibility encompasses the need to be addiction free, which is based on living the five necessity of protecting faith, life, lineage, intellect and property. This paper gave practical ways on what to do at all levels of prevention. It also outlines the various actions to be taking at each levels of prevention.

Conclusion: In conclusion, this paper presented the Islamic prevention methodology and its applicability in the three levels of prevention science. It adds more by incorporating the Islamic spiritual dimension.

Keywords: Addiction, Islamic Prevention Methodology, Prevention Science