For years, an interesting discussion about how different cultures deal with addiction has been ongoing. The patterns and beliefs of the many cultures that make up our world mean that there is not always a ‘surefire’ way of dealing with addiction. In some cultures, what would be seen as an accepted form of treatment may be seen as unsuitable or even unethical in the eyes of that particular culture.
Our culture often defines our behaviour and how we view the world. Therefore, someone from a culture of religious faith might deal with addiction differently from someone of secular leanings. By the same token, religious groups – even within the same overall religion – might take a different path to treatment. In some more hardline cultures, the idea of treatment itself can be a controversial topic.
Therefore, it is critical to understand that addiction recovery in different cultures can be significantly varied. There is no one-size-fits-all method that suits every culture. Understanding this is important so that individuals can seek out help without feeling as if they are disrespecting or insulting their culture.
To help you better understand addiction recovery in different cultures, use the information below to help inform yourself of your next steps.
The Challenge With Culture, Addiction And Recovery
In some cultures, the idea of even finding yourself in a position of addiction recovery is a no-no. Alcoholism and drug addiction are seen as more ‘acceptable’ in some cultures than in others. For example, many secular Western cultures accept that alcohol and drug addiction is a part of the fact that such substances are available.
This can have the double-sword effect of seeing someone more inclined to fall into addiction because it is more prevalent in their culture. For example, binge drinking culture is particularly prevalent in the United Kingdom in the UK: this can make it more likely for someone who is part of British culture to be drawn to alcohol and thus run the risk of alcohol addiction down the line.
By contrast, many cultures within Asia, in particular, can be quite hardline when it comes to the idea of drinking or taking drugs in the first place. As such, someone from such a culture who finds themselves in need of recovery might feel ashamed to admit they have an issue in the first place. Some groups consider it to be ‘unsuitable’ to have such an affliction in the first place, leading to people being shunned. While it is less likely that you will be drawn to addictive substances, receiving help can be harder.
In some cultures, too, seeking professional help can come across as making the family or the community look weak.
As such, many choose to avoid seeking recovery treatment as they worry it will bring shame to their family, friends and community. By the same token, though, in some cultures today, it is increasingly common for people to ‘need’ a therapist – that if you do not seek therapeutic care, you are in denial.
Therefore, an individual must understand the culture they are a part of so they can understand what kind of steps they can take to receive treatment. However, it should be noted that people dealing with addiction need help – and often help from a neutral third party.
While it might be jarring in some cultures to ask for that help, it is the only way forward in many ways. If help cannot be found within a culture or community, it should be sought externally.
Finding Help Within Your Culture
The biggest challenges stem from how a culture views the concept of addiction in the first place. In some cultures, there is no such thing as addiction: only weakness. While this is an inherently flawed argument, those who live within such a culture might find it hard to speak out or ask for help with their problems.
Other cultures have a particularly patriarchal or matriarchal structure. As such, receiving help or even admitting an addiction would need to come with the agreement of a senior member of that particular community, family or wider culture. The first step for those seeking help in addiction treatment is to examine what their culture generally views as acceptable or allowed.
It is best to look for solutions that exist within the grounds of your own culture before you extend beyond this. If you look outside of your culture, you risk insulting more hardline members of that culture. Or, at the very least, you risk being seen as ‘weak’ or ‘lesser’ in the eyes of those you care about most.
Cultural sensitivity is not easy to always walk around, but it can be crucial if you are looking for help with your addiction. In some cultures, for example, you are expected to take complete responsibility for your actions: if you have made the mistake of needing recovery, it is your problem. As such, you resolve it yourself. These cultural differences make it hard to understand what is possible.
Finding The Right Recovery Method For You
While it can be easy to stay within the confines of your culture if you feel that no help is forthcoming, what should you do?
The first thing to do is to investigate your own culture, whether it is your nation or your religion. For example, is there a specific faith-based recovery program? Look to find out what the consensus is on addiction and recovery. This can give you a good idea regarding the kind of care you will be able to seek within your own community without censure. By the same token, though, you should look to evaluate what other options exist.
You do not want to offend anyone in your culture, but nor can you sit idly by and let your recovery pass you by. If need be, look to other treatment options outside of what is commonly used within your culture. Yes, it might upset a few hardline members of your community, but it might also help you to find meaningful steps to long-term recovery.
Regardless of your cultural background, you can receive help and support with addiction through Akasha Recovery. We provide support for addiction from various issues in life. We can help you to find culturally suitable treatment and solutions to help you start working towards that all-important road to recovery. With our help and the right commitment to change, you can recover from your addiction.