Alcoholism in UK’s Asian community presents a multifaceted challenge that is often overlooked.
While alcohol consumption is common across cultures, the South Asian diaspora grapples with unique cultural, social, and familial dynamics that shape patterns of alcohol misuse and access to support services. Understanding these nuances is essential for developing effective intervention strategies and providing culturally sensitive care.
It remains a global health concern, with researchers uncovering evidence linking it to numerous diseases, as highlighted in a study by researchers from Peking University in China and Oxford Population Health in the UK. Among the 33 diseases associated with alcohol consumption, including gout, cataracts, fractures, and gastric ulcers, South Asian families, already prone to diseases, face additional challenges when unhealthy lifestyles and regular alcohol consumption are involved.
Recovery from addiction poses a significant challenge, not only for the individual but also for their support system. Within South Asian families, alcoholism can bring about feelings of despair and burden, often compounded by issues of shame and family honour. Addressing these complexities is vital for effectively supporting individuals and families affected by alcoholism within the South Asian community.
Asian Voice spoke to a experts about the involvement of carers, impact of addiction and much more.
Family Involvement boosts recovery success
Founder and director of KIKIT Pathways to Recovery, Mohammed Ashfaq MBE emphasised the role of family involvement in the recovery process. He said, “We provide families with information, advice, and education on how to best support their loved ones struggling with alcohol or drug addiction. By working collaboratively with the family, with the service user's consent, we aim to enhance the success of the recovery journey. Involving families helps break down barriers and fosters understanding and support at home, complementing the assistance provided by our community-based programs.”
“In many cases we encounter, particularly within the South Asian community, spouses struggle with supporting their partners battling alcohol addiction for extended periods. This often leads to additional challenges such as depression and domestic violence, impacting both spouses and children. As a community organisation with over 15 years of experience, we collaborate closely with women's organisations and domestic violence support services to address such cases effectively. Additionally, we maintain strong ties with Birmingham's mental health team, ensuring a holistic approach to support. Individuals in South Asian communities often hesitate to seek medical help for fear of family judgement and stigma. Many families share the same general practitioner, leading to concerns about confidentiality. This fear of shame and judgement can prevent individuals from accessing support for addiction issues,” he added.
Limited culturally tailored support services for South Asian women
Research associate from Manchester Metropolitan University, Dr Sarah Fox discussed the lack of culturally appropriate and gender-specific support services for South Asian women. She said, “Our project, funded by Alcohol Change UK, focused on the challenges faced by Asian women who use alcohol. Many women feel out of place in traditional support groups like AAA, where they often find nobody who looks like them or understands their cultural background. This lack of awareness and inclusivity across the UK is a significant issue. Additionally, South Asian women face unique challenges due to cultural expectations of modesty, chastity, and family honour, leading to stigma and shame. Existing alcohol services which are predominantly designed for white men, may lack understanding of these cultural nuances. That’s why there is an urgent need for tailored support services that address South Asian women.
Speaking about the significance of carers in the lives of South Asian women, she said, “Our findings revealed a mixed response from family members, with some experiencing shame and secrecy surrounding the issue, while others actively sought support for their daughters. A common theme emerged regarding the lack of understanding and education around alcohol use within the community. Many family members expressed frustration at simplistic advice to "just stop drinking," highlighting a need for greater awareness of problematic alcohol use and available support services. Education and awareness-building initiatives are crucial to addressing these gaps, but face challenges due to the taboo nature of alcohol abuse, particularly among women, within certain communities. Collaboration with community leaders and targeted outreach efforts are essential to overcoming these barriers and facilitating access to support services.”
Keeping her identity anonymous, a woman from accounting background said, “Families often face a difficult choice between prioritising the family unit or seeking individual treatment. This dilemma poses risks, such as household accidents, when individuals with alcohol addiction forget basic safety measures due to intoxication. While not all cases involve violence, alcoholism impairs judgement, leading to negligence and potential hazards, like leaving stoves on or doors unlocked. Thus, addressing alcoholism requires a holistic approach that balances individual and familial needs. On the other hand, The NHS struggles with funding for alcohol addiction treatment. Unlike other illnesses, individuals often don't acknowledge their alcohol addiction, limiting access to support. South Asian families, especially women, face stigma seeking help, while Western families may have more options. Overall, limited resources and societal judgement hinder support for addiction in Asian communities.”
Addiction impacts the whole family unit
Managing Director/Co-founder of BAC-IN CIC, Sohan Singh Sahota spoke about building healthy relationships and effective communication within the family dynamic. He said, “We view addiction as a disorder that impacts the entire family unit, not just the individual using substances. Our approach emphasises family-based treatment, providing one-on-one support for family members and children. Additionally, we offer group family support sessions where addiction issues are addressed, along with education on the benefits and mechanics of recovery. We facilitate mediation to mend relationships strained by addiction and offer stress management techniques to help families cope with the challenges they face. Communication skills are also prioritised, as breakdowns in communication often occur over time.”
“The psychological impact of addiction is profound, leading to increased stress, feelings of anger, and helplessness within families. Without proper support, these emotions can escalate into depression, distress, and ultimately, family breakdown. Untreated addiction and trauma only exacerbate these issues, placing strain on relationships and leaving children and elderly family members caught in distressing scenarios. Despite the widespread impact of addiction on families, support services are often limited and lack specialisation. It's crucial to shine a spotlight on the importance of comprehensive family support to address these challenges effectively,” he added.
Councillor Rav Sekhon urged carers to use the support network around them. He said, “Taking care of a person who is alcoholic is a huge task. The mental health of caregivers deteriorates over time and then leads to greater challenges ahead. This is a huge problem in Asian communities that dates back to first generation British Asians, and continues to this very day. The carers should use the support network around them. Although they may feel alone, they are not, and this issue is more common than you may think. Be honest with people they can trust, and talk about their feelings. Carer’s health is of utmost importance and it’s vital you create space to focus on self. Connect with local addiction services, there will be free services accessible via your local council.
