Breaking the Silence on Substance Abuse, Addiction, and Recovery in the Asian community
When you hear the word “addiction,” what do you visualize?
You may have thought of scenes from TV shows of people using extreme narcotics and illegal drugs, or gambling at shadowy casinos in the night. But did you know it’s possible to be addicted to things such as work, games, and even love?
It’s time we destigmatize talking about addiction and substance abuse, because we can’t treat and heal things that we don’t acknowledge.
Particularly for those of us of Asian descent, substance abuse and addiction are often taboo topics in Asian communities. However, they’re real, and they affect countless individuals and families.
Whether it’s due to stigma, cultural expectations, or lack of mental health support, many Asian Americans struggling with addiction suffer in silence. In order to heal these pains, we need to first understand it.
What is substance abuse vs regular usage?
Substance abuse often leads to addiction, and differs from behavioral usage based on frequency of usage and the intensity of the amount taken.
Substance addiction is a psychological condition characterized by a persistent and intense urge to use a substance or engage in behavior that produces natural reward, despite the potential for harm and negative consequences.
For example, if someone is addicted to alcohol, they may find themselves walking to certain streets where they know certain bars are open late. Or they may make reasons to visit neighborhoods that have a higher access to drinking activities. Even the act of walking by these areas may give them a craving or urge which leads to temporary excitement.
So, what are the signs of addiction? Here are a few signals you can be on the lookout for:
Why is substance abuse a hidden issue in Asian communities?
While substance abuse rates in Asian American communities are often reported as lower than in other groups, research suggests that the numbers may be underreported. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 4.8% of Asian Americans struggle with a substance use disorder (SUD), but experts believe this figure is underestimated due to cultural stigma and lack of reporting.
The pressure to maintain “success”
Many Asian Americans grow up with high expectations to excel, whether it’s in academics, sports, or in the workplace. Our community often puts pressure on students to perform well in school, land a prestigious job, and make the family proud by earning large amounts of money.
Studies have shown that Asian Americans experience high levels of academic and career-related stress, with 37% of Asian college students reporting symptoms of anxiety and depression (National College Health Assessment, 2022).
As a result, recreational activities that hinder these goals may be seen as counterproductive or bad. This leads toan oversimplified view which limits exposure and decreases awareness about how to handle substances in moderated levels. For example, Asian Americans in college may struggle to know how to socialize in a setting where alcohol is present, because they’ve had fewer experiences in regulating their own drinking levels.
Ironically, the pressure to be successful can actually lead to intense stress, anxiety, and even depression, which ultimately pushes people to turn to substances. As a coping mechanism, people may use alcohol, prescription drugs, or other mechanisms to manage the stress coming from societal pressures.
The shame and internalized failure arising from substance abuse
It’s very easy for victims to believe it is somehow their fault for all of the substance abuse related challenges they are experiencing. People may blame themselves for their circumstances. Consequently, they feel immense shame and therefore have a hard time informing their loved ones about what they are struggling with, leading to mental health issues being brushed under the rug in Asian households.
What’s worse is that, even if victims can muster up the courage to admit their substance usage, family members or close friends may judge them for it. The victim may think that they have brought shame upon their family and that they are the cause for other people’s woes. This makes them feel even worse, and have a harder time being vulnerable and honest, and get the appropriate care they need to improve.
A study published in the Asian American Journal of Psychology found that 65% of Asian Americans believe that seeking mental health treatment is a sign of personal weakness. This perception discourages many from reaching out for professional help, even when they experience addiction-related issues.
That’s why it’s important for everyone to receive training, so we can react calmly to people reaching out for help, even if we are not currently in need of support.
Limited culturally-informed education and culturally-responsive resources for awareness
Despite the fact that Asian Americans are the fastest-growing racial group in the U.S., culturally competent mental health and addiction resources remain scarce. Language barriers, generational gaps, and unfamiliarity with Western healthcare systems make seeking treatment even harder.
For example, someone experiencing substance abuse may speak English but their parents and extended family members may speak non-English languages. The cross-cultural miscommunication may increase, making it even harder to find common ground for empathy and mutual understanding.
A National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) report found that only 8.3% of Asian Americans with a substance use disorder receive treatment, compared to the national average of 14.1%. Furthermore, only 28% of Asian Americans reported using illicit drugs compared to 55% in Caucasian Americans, 46% in African Americans and 38% in Hispanic Americans according to the source American Addiction Centers.
This means that the Asian community may have less experience interacting with individuals who have used substances, and therefore have more limited knowledge and awareness about how to respond. Being able to translate analogies, benefits, and stories in a culturally-sensitive way will help with treatment adoption rates.
The link between addiction and mental health using the Four C’s
Addiction can be understood through the lens of the four "Cs":
Compulsion: The irresistible urge to engage in the behavior. A person addicted to work feels a constant compulsion to work, even during times when work isn’t required, such as weekends or vacations. They might feel compelled to check emails or complete tasks even when they're physically and mentally exhausted. This compulsion can stem from a fear of falling behind or a belief that they need to prove their worth by working excessively.
Craving: The intense desire or urge to use the substance or perform addictive behaviors. a person addicted to work experiences a craving to work, especially when they feel anxious, stressed, or uncertain. For instance, during moments of downtime, they may feel restless and driven to check in on projects or catch up on tasks, even when they’ve planned to rest. Their mind is often preoccupied with work, and they may feel uncomfortable or guilty if they aren’t being productive.
Consequences: Continued use despite harmful consequences (like damaged relationships, legal issues, or health problems). A person with an overworking addiction might keep working excessively even when it negatively affects their personal life, health, or relationships. They may miss family events, skip meals, and suffer from burnout, chronic stress, or health issues like high blood pressure. Despite knowing that overworking is damaging their health and relationships, they continue to prioritize work over other aspects of life.
Control: Loss of control over the use of the substance or engagement in the behavior. A person with addiction to work might repeatedly tell themselves and others that they’ll cut back on working hours or set boundaries, but they consistently lose control and end up working late into the night or on weekends. Even when they try to take breaks or spend time with family, they feel drawn back to work tasks, unable to disconnect mentally or physically. They may have difficulty delegating or saying no to additional responsibilities, perpetuating the cycle.
Just like heart disease or diabetes, addiction is considered a chronic disease because it creates long-lasting changes in the brain. The reward system, once hijacked by addiction, can take months or even years to heal. This is why recovery is often a long-term process, requiring ongoing support and, in some cases, medical intervention.
Once someone develops an addiction, their brain is primed to seek out the substance or behavior again, even after a long period of abstinence. This is why relapses are common—they are not a sign of failure, but rather a symptom of the chronic nature of addiction.
Substance abuse doesn’t happen in isolation. Many people struggling with addiction also experience underlying mental health conditions such as:
Depression: A study in JAMA Psychiatry found that Asian Americans who suffer from depression are more likely to engage in binge drinking and prescription drug misuse.
Anxiety: The constant pressure to succeed can push individuals toward unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Trauma: Immigration stress, family conflict, and generational trauma can contribute to substance dependency. According to a study by the National Latino and Asian American Study (NLAAS), 32% of Asian Americans report experiencing significant discrimination, which has been linked to increased substance use.
How to Support Recovery in Asian American Communities
Healing from addiction is possible, but it requires breaking through stigma and building a supportive environment. Here’s how we can encourage recovery:
We need to normalize conversations about mental health
The narrative is slowly changing, but we need to keep advocating for open conversations around mental health—seeking help isn’t shameful; it’s courageous. Encouraging open discussions within families and communities can make it easier for individuals to reach out for support.
One way to begin doing this is watching how we speak about substance use. Be mindful of the words and terms you’re using to discuss current events or even remark upon personal situations you hear about people in your network. If we are careful about how we talk about the issue, we may begin to change our own thoughts and attitudes about how to approach the topic.
We need to lower the barriers for accessing culturally competent care
Finding therapists and addiction specialists who understand the Asian American experience can make a huge difference in recovery. A 2021 report from Mental Health America found that Asian Americans are three times less likely to seek mental health care compared to white Americans, highlighting the need for culturally inclusive support systems.
Recovery isn’t just about quitting substances—it’s about addressing the root causes. Traditional healing practices such as meditation, acupuncture, and reconnecting with cultural traditions can complement evidence-based treatments and improve emotional well-being.
We need to build a support system together
Whether it’s through friends, family, or support groups, having a strong network is key to long-term recovery. Organizations like the Asian American Drug Abuse Program (AADAP) provide culturally sensitive treatment options tailored to the needs of the Asian American community.
If you or someone you know is struggling, seek help
You don’t have to do this by yourself. There are trained professionals who have extensive experience in supporting people with similar challenges.
Substance abuse and addiction aren’t signs of failure—they’re mental health challenges that deserve compassion, support, and treatment. With increased awareness, culturally competent care, and open conversations, Asian Americans struggling with addiction can find the path to recovery.
If you or someone you know is facing addiction, know that help is available and that recovery is possible. One easy way to begin is completing this short intake form, which will help you be matched to a culturally-informed therapist within 2 business days.
Let’s break the silence and support healing—together.
