Effects of the Transcendental Meditation Program on Substance Use among University Students

Abstract EN

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.