Effects of the Transcendental Meditation Program on Substance Use among University Students
- PMID: 21559213
- PMCID: PMC3087968
- DOI: 10.4061/2011/537101
Effects of the Transcendental Meditation Program on Substance Use among University Students
Abstract
A randomized wait-list controlled trial (N = 295 university students) of the effects of the Transcendental Meditation program was conducted in an urban setting. Substance use was assessed by self-report at baseline and 3 months later. For smoking and illicit drug use, there were no significant differences between conditions. For alcohol use, sex X intervention condition interactions were significant; TM instruction lowered drinking rates among male but not female students. TM instruction could play a valuable role in reducing alcohol use among male university students. Limitations are noted, along with suggestions for further research.
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