South Asian women’s experiences of alcohol use and the role of the family

Background Family plays an important role in helping or hindering a loved one’s alcohol recovery and this is particularly true in South Asian communities. In South Asian cultures women are seen as the keepers of the izzat (family honour), and to behave in ways that can jeopardise the izzat, such as drinking alcohol, can have a grave impact on women’s health and wellbeing. This paper explores the lived experiences of alcohol use and help-seeking among South Asian women in England with a particular focus on the role of the family. Methods 18 South Asian women with personal lived experience of alcohol dependency were interviewed using an in-depth, semi-structured interview approach. Results The findings focus on feelings of stigma and shame linked to izzat and family dishonour. The women shared personal accounts of controlling and restrictive upbringings that influenced their alcohol use. They talked about how their families reacted to their alcohol dependency with shame and a lack of understanding, and they explained how many of their families offered support when they realised that the women’s physical and mental health was at a point of crisis. Conclusions Recommendations focus on educational outreach to families regarding alcohol use within South Asian communities.