English Title

Abstract

This article begins with an analysis of the political and social context in which substance abuse and dependence of legal and illegal drugs occur in Puerto Rico. Specifically, the author examines the role that the government, the church and other interest groups play in the manifestation of drug related problems on the Island. The author proceeds to explore the conceptual and practical connection between the Strength Perspective and spirituality, and discusses the core principies of the Motivational Model and Motivational Interviewing. A Briefreligiousness/spirituality scale is also presented in the article. The main purpose is to show that there are conceptual and empirical tools available for drug treatment programs that are congruent with spiritual values. When the interventions are frame within a moral perspective, drug treatment programs need to shift this paradigm to incorporate the Strength Perspective in their professional interventions.