Spirituality is a broader term that religiosity and it influences health in a positive way. It is associated with lower mortality and suicidality, lower binge drinking and lower prevalence of daily smoking. This applies also to Czech population (17,6 % of daily smokers in believers and 28,6 % in nonbelievers). Health workers should pay appropriate attention to spirituál needs of their patients and include this dimension in their practice. Some concrete recommendations are mentioned. Certain approaches ušed in medicíně, such as psychotherapy, relaxation and meditation techniques, yoga or meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, are close to spirituality. Spirituality also alleviates professional stress in medical profession.

        Key words: spirituality, addictive diseases, treatment