Asian-Americans, Pacific Islanders, And Addiction

Facts About Asian-Americans, Pacific Islanders, And Addiction

Both Asian-Americans and Pacific Islander-Americans tend to have lower rates of minority stress and psychological stress compared to other ethnic groups. However, factors such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alienation from family, stress of high expectations and academic performance, depression, low-income living, and poor mental health can contribute to substance abuse among this demographic.

Studies have shown that substance abuse in Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities is somewhat lower than in other communities. Moreover, the communities typically exhibit a lower rate of illicit substance abuse (such as with heroin, marijuana, and stimulants). However, Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders tend to be hesitant to get help for substance abuse.

14% of Asian-Americans or Pacific Islanders between 18 to 25 need substance abuse treatment — slightly lower than the 21% average in other groups.

Asian-focused addiction studies yield different results based on whether or not the individual is a refugee or whether they were born in the US or in a different country. Researchers and medical professionals continue surveying Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities in Hawaii, where they comprise a majority of the population, and the mainline US, to better grasp substance abuse trends.

Asian-Americans, Pacific Islanders, And Alcoholism

Research found Asian-Americans between 18 and 25 drank heavily although they were considered a “low-risk group” for alcohol abuse. Additional research found Korean-Americans, Filipino-Americans, and Japanese-Americans have higher numbers of problem drinking (including binge drinking and heavy drinking) than other Asian groups.

Pacific Islanders, including Hawaiians, have a higher rate of alcohol abuse, nicotine use, and obesity when compared to other racial groups. Roughly 60% of men in the Pacific Island countries and territories were current drinkers; additionally, men in this region drank more frequently and were heavy drinkers when compared to women counterparts. To contrast these statistics with younger Asian-Americans, 7.1% of Asian-Americans aged 12 to 17 used alcohol in the month the study was conducted.

Asian immigrants and Asian-Americans have a higher risk of gambling addiction compared to other groups. There was a 6% to 60% range of “pathological gamblers,” namely Southeast Asian refugees.

Tobacco Use In Asian-Americans And Pacific Islanders

Tobacco use is very common in Asian and Pacific Islander communities, but lower in Asian-American and Pacific Islander-American groups. Research has found 60% of native Chinese and Korean men smoke cigarettes, while 17% of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islander-Americans smoke tobacco-based products. When Asian-Americans and Pacific Islander-Americans do smoke, they smoke more than other ethnic groups. As a result, cancer rates tend to be more prevalent in the Asian-American community.

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Asians-Americans And Gambling Addiction

Asian immigrants and Asian-Americans have a higher risk of gambling addiction compared to other groups. Speculations as to why range from a belief in luck prevalent in many Asians and Asian-Americans to cultural traditions and card games.

For example, New Year’s holidays in Asian communities encourage card games where money and betting are involved. The involvement of lucky thinking can act as a rewarding motivation for those who are successful in gambling. A survey studied Boston’s Chinatown to discover Chinese residents “visited casinos to relieve stress from low-income wage jobs, poverty, and cultural isolation.” The Chinese American men surveyed do it to cope with daily challenges. Like other behavioral and substance abuse-related disorders, factors such as isolation, lack of community support, stress or anxiety, depression or other mental disorders can lead to addiction. Unfortunately, casinos play to their Asian target audiences by providing ethnic food, free transportation, and bilingual card dealers.

Gambling is problematic as it can contribute to obsessiveness, financial loss, time away from family, isolation, emotional highs and lows, broken relationships, and helplessness.

Challenges For Getting Treatment

Both groups face significant barriers and challenges that can hinder access to treatment for substance use disorders, including:

• Concerns with personal reputation
• Maintaining the family structure
• Concerns with family reputation
• Language barriers
• Financial or insurance issues
• Shortages of culturally knowledgeable therapists or medical professionals
• A mistrust of Western medicine
• Spiritual and cultural beliefs (alternative medicine, yoga, meditation, herbal remedies)

Find Support For Addiction

There are harm reduction programs designed with the needs of Asian-American communities in mind, offering care that respects cultural values and promotes healing. While these programs play a vital role, seeking support from a licensed treatment facility can provide additional tools for recovery.

Comprehensive care may also include one-on-one counseling, group support like 12-Step programs, and even faith-based options for those who draw strength from their spiritual practices. Reaching out for help can feel vulnerable, but it’s also a powerful act of courage. Healing is possible, and you’re not alone. Take the first step toward healing and contact a treatment provider today. Calls are always free, confidential, and available 24/7.