A sample of 337 university students was surveyed by using the CORE Alcohol and Drug Survey and several supplemental questions. This survey was constructed to measure actual substance use and attitudes concerning substance use of college students. From survey questions, variables were constructed to determine the use of substances. These outcome variables measured the individual's self-reported use of the particular substance. Alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, LSD, and ecstasy were all evaluated by using separate variables that measured a combination of weekly, monthly, and yearly use. Two survey questions that asked the number of drinks per week and the number of times the student had five or more drinks at one sitting were used to create a variable that measured binge drinking. Supplemental questions were asked to ascertain the student's perception of spirituality influence and degree of religious participation. Findings showed that in general, spirituality had a moderate buffering effect upon the decision to use alcohol and marijuana. This general protective effect existed for both alcohol use and binge drinking, but dissipated as the students reached upper-class levels. Implementation of spiritual aspects into university prevention and treatment programs may help boost their effectiveness. Further research should be conducted on this significant factor. 3 tables and 18 references