Substance use and South Asians

Let’s talk about substances.

This is a topic that we all know of, however how often do we really talk about the impact of misuse of substances? And how often do we explore the why of the misuse? In this section we will explore the types of substances that South Asians across the world use and where the issues lie.

“the drugs commonly abused are heroin, cannabis, opium, and pharmaceutical preparations. Abuse of alcohol and tobacco in combinations with other drugs also is seen in these countries” (Sharma, 2009*)

*https://nida.nih.gov/international/abstracts/social-consequences-drug-abuse-in-south-asia

Alcohol x South Asians

Alcohol consumption varies greatly across different South Asian communities, and attitudes towards alcohol can be influenced by cultural, religious, and social factors. Here are some general points to consider:

  • In some South Asian cultures, such as Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, alcohol consumption is discouraged or even prohibited due to religious beliefs. In other cultures, such as Islam, alcohol is strictly forbidden.

  • Despite these religious prohibitions, some South Asians still choose to consume alcohol. However, alcohol use may be stigmatized within the community, and individuals who do consume alcohol may face criticism or ostracism.

  • In some South Asian communities, alcohol is a traditional part of celebrations and social events, such as weddings and religious festivals. However, even in these contexts, alcohol use may be heavily regulated or limited to specific groups of people.

  • There is some evidence to suggest that South Asian individuals may be more susceptible to the negative effects of alcohol, such as liver disease and certain types of cancer, even at lower levels of consumption. This may be due to genetic factors or other biological differences.

  • In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of alcohol-related issues in South Asian communities, and efforts are being made to provide culturally sensitive support and treatment for individuals who are struggling with alcohol addiction.

It is important to note that South Asian communities are diverse, and attitudes towards alcohol can vary greatly depending on factors such as age, gender, religion, and region of origin.

Psychological impact of alcohol use

Alcohol use can have a range of psychological impacts on individuals in South Asian communities, and these impacts can be influenced by cultural, religious, and social factors. Here are some potential psychological effects to consider:

  1. Stigma and shame: In some South Asian communities, alcohol use is stigmatized, and individuals who drink may be shamed or ostracized. This can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and low self-esteem among those who choose to drink.

  2. Conflicting values: For individuals from South Asian cultures that discourage or prohibit alcohol consumption, drinking can create a conflict between their personal values and their behavior. This can lead to feelings of guilt, anxiety, or shame.

  3. Acculturation stress: For South Asian individuals who have recently immigrated to a new country, alcohol use can be a way to cope with the stress of acculturation and adjusting to a new culture. However, excessive drinking can exacerbate feelings of loneliness, isolation, and anxiety.

  4. Interpersonal problems: Excessive alcohol use can lead to relationship problems with family, friends, and partners. In some South Asian communities, family and community ties are highly valued, and strained relationships can have a significant impact on an individual's mental health.

Anxiety and Depression:

Drinking alcohol can increase feelings of anxiety and depression, and prolonged alcohol use can contribute to the development of these mental health disorders. In some South Asian cultures, the stigma surrounding mental health issues can prevent individuals from seeking the help they need to manage these conditions.

Substance Use Disorders: Excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of substance use disorders, which can have a significant impact on an individual's mental health. South Asian communities may be less likely to seek out substance abuse treatment due to the stigma surrounding alcohol use.

Trauma and PTSD: In some South Asian communities, the experience of migration and acculturation can be traumatic, leading to the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Drinking alcohol can be a way to cope with trauma, but it can also exacerbate PTSD symptoms and lead to long-term mental health issues.

Suicide: In some South Asian communities, the risk of suicide may be higher due to the stigma surrounding mental health issues and the lack of access to culturally sensitive mental health support. Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of suicidal ideation and behaviors, particularly in individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions.

Mental health issues:

Alcohol use can increase the risk of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. South Asian communities may be less likely to seek out mental health support, which can exacerbate the impact of alcohol on mental health.

“South Asian men who consumed alcohol were more likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety than those who did not drink.”
— Karasz et al (2019)

Karasz, A., Gany, F., Escobar, J. et al. Mental Health and Stress Among South Asians. J Immigrant Minority Health 21 (Suppl 1), 7–14 (2019)

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