Alcohol Addiction Among South Asian Men: Understanding the Struggle and the Path Forward

Written By Aman Dhaliwal

Alcohol addiction is a quiet but heavy burden for many South Asian Indian men. It often shows up behind closed doors—after long workdays, in strained family relationships, and in moments of deep sadness or disconnection. I often hear from men who know that alcohol is causing problems in their lives, but they feel stuck. They don’t know where to turn, how to express what they’re going through, or even why they drink the way they do.

For many, alcohol becomes a way to cope. It numbs sadness, stress, or feelings of not being “good enough.” It offers temporary relief but creates long-term consequences: broken family relationships, health issues, and an even deeper sense of isolation. Sons stop speaking to fathers, marriages become distant, and individuals begin to feel trapped in a cycle of work, drink, sleep, repeat.

Alcohol addiction is a quiet but heavy burden for many South Asian men. It often shows up behind closed doors—after long workdays, in strained family relationships, and in moments of deep sadness or disconnection.

Why this issue is so difficult to face

In South Asian culture, conversations about mental health and addiction are often silenced. Many men grow up in families where emotions aren’t expressed openly, and where success is measured by hard work and providing for others. If they’re working, paying bills, and keeping life afloat, they often convince themselves it’s “not that bad.” But addiction is more than just drinking—it’s what happens when alcohol begins to take control of one’s body, health, and relationships.

The reality is that alcohol addiction is both a medical and psychological condition. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe, even life-threatening, and many don’t realize the toll alcohol silently takes on the body—damaging the liver, disrupting sleep, and increasing depression and anxiety. Culturally, there’s also stigma: asking for help can feel shameful, and language barriers can make finding the right support even harder.

What Are the Signs of Alcohol Addiction in South Asian Men?

Some common signs include:

  • Drinking to cope with stress, sadness, or loneliness

  • Strained relationships with spouses or children

  • Neglecting personal responsibilities or work-life balance

  • Feeling unable to stop drinking even when wanting to

  • Experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms (shakiness, nausea, or anxiety when not drinking)

What helps

The first step is acknowledging the problem. Until someone admits, “I have an addiction,” it’s difficult to begin the process of change. Counselling plays a role here—creating a safe space where individuals can share their struggles, often for the first time. Even just speaking the truth out loud can feel like a huge relief.

But counselling alone isn’t always enough. Alcohol addiction often requires a combination of medical treatment and therapy. In both Edmonton and Calgary, there are clinics and doctors who specialize in working with South Asian communities, offering services in Punjabi and understanding the cultural context. Programs like methadone treatment or inpatient rehab provide medical support to safely manage withdrawal, while counselling addresses the emotional pain, family dynamics, and root causes that keep the addiction in place.

The reality of change

Not everyone takes the next step. In my experience, about 70% of people who reach out don’t follow through with treatment. The reasons vary—fear, denial, stigma—but the result is often the same: things get worse. Addiction doesn’t resolve on its own. It leads to deteriorating health, broken families, and in severe cases, hospitalization or even death.

But there is hope. The men who do engage in treatment and counselling begin to rebuild their lives. They repair relationships, learn new ways of coping with stress and sadness, and start to imagine a life not controlled by alcohol. It’s never easy, and it doesn’t happen overnight, but it is possible.

Addiction affects the whole family, not just the person struggling with alcohol. Sometimes, a loved one’s first step toward recovery begins with knowing their family is ready to walk beside them, without judgment but with firm encouragement.

How Can Family Members Support Someone With Alcohol Addiction?

Family support is crucial but can be tricky. Here are some strategies:

  • Encourage open conversation without judgment

  • Set healthy boundaries to protect yourself while offering support

  • Seek counselling or family support programs for guidance

  • Understand that change must come from the individual’s willingness to get help

Even small steps, like listening without judgment, can make a difference in motivating someone toward recovery.

Moving forward

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, know that help exists. You don’t have to go through it alone, and there are resources in both Edmonton and Calgary tailored to the South Asian community. Reaching out—whether to a doctor, a counsellor, or a treatment program—can be the first step toward healing.

Change starts with acknowledging the problem, but it grows with support, compassion, and the willingness to imagine something different.

Resources in Edmonton & Calgary

Culturally Specific Supports

Edmonton

  • Savera Medical Centre
    A culturally responsive clinic offering medical care, counselling, and addiction treatment. Staff speak Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Gujarati, and more.
    Address: 6730 – 75 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 6T9
    Phone: (780) 761-6767

  • Brick House Recovery Centre
    An outpatient addiction treatment centre with psychiatrists, physicians, and counsellors. Provides comprehensive medical and psychological care for individuals struggling with substance use.

    Address: 9904 106 St. Edmonton, AB T5K 1C4
    Phone: (587) 600-0312
    Email: info@brickhouserecovery.ca
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM

Calgary

General Supports (Alberta-wide)

— Written by Aman Dhaliwal, Registered Social Worker & Owner, BA, MSW, RSW.

Breathe Counselling is a south Edmonton & Calgary-based mental health clinic in Alberta, designed to listen, help, and coach those needing counselling and therapy. We specialize in couple’s counselling, men’s mental health and counselling, cultural therapy for newcomers, anxiety & depression, work stress management, life transition & loss. Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu counselling services are available through in-person, virtual or phone call sessions by visiting breathecounselling.ca.

Aman Dhaliwal
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