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By Agamjot Aulakh
Throughout the United States, opioid misuse has had a negative effect in many households. Although this matter is frequently talked about, communities handle it in different manners. Specifically within the Sikh community, discussion regarding abuse, addiction and dependency is starting to become easier among teens because they are able to acknowledge the significance of awareness and support.
Opioids include prescription pain relievers, heroin, morphine, and fentanyl, all of which can be addictive. In the report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), opioid abuse has gone up greatly during the last decade. Even though the crisis has influenced many age groups, specialists state that it is necessary that adolescents understand the risks of these drugs.
For several Sikh community individuals, bringing up the topic of addiction can be heavy because of the ethnic shame and stigma surrounding it, and there is a fear of judgment. Harshdeep Kaur, a 30-year-old Sikh individual, currently a fourth-year medical school student, immigrated from India when she was 8 years old. Harshdeep believes that stigmatized conversations are needed because they bring awareness.
“The opioid crisis is affecting Sikh communities today as it is affecting any other community. While opioids are discouraged and negatively seen, I feel like I see teens use it mainly due to peer pressure and influence. However opioid abuse is not as prevalent in the community compared to other items, such as alcohol,” states Harshdeep.
Yet, the topic of addiction is not talked through in each ethnic community. Frequently, individuals are uncertain to express their feelings and what they believe because they are scared to face shame and embarrassment.
“I think there’s a combination of things that can push an individual into misusing substance abuse. I think one of the issues can be the peer influence that surrounds a person,” Harshdeep said. “Oftentimes, teens are surrounded more around classmates and friends, which influence them more than parents. If teens are being surrounded by a negative influence, then they are easily able to get into substance misuse.”
Especially for adolescents who are raised in immigrant households, at times there can be pressure to prosper in school and meet social expectations, while also balancing that with tradition and culture. That stress and the absence of mental health support can occasionally make young individuals turn to substance misuse.
“I think one way gurdwarases (Sikh community temples) and communities can raise awareness is just to acknowledge the issue,” Harshdeep said. “Since the Sikh community fears (judgment from) others, just by being able to acknowledge and address the issue is a start.
“Another way is to maybe have some sort of flyer or community started who is well educated and is able to provide support to teens struggling with this and to the family,” she added.
Despite these challenges, various community members trust that education and open conversations can assist in preventing abuse. Discussions among the community members, programs, and systems, can bring awareness and push individuals toward learning about addiction and abuse, seeking assistance if necessary.
As communities persist in bringing light to the opioid crisis, many trust that perception and empathy are crucial to assist those who may be experiencing hardship.
“One message that I would like to share to those who may be struggling is that there is no shame in seeking help and talking to your family and friends about the issue,” Harshdeep said. “The first step is hard for both sides because families don’t know how to handle it at first, but being able to do that is beautiful in itself.”
By inspiring open discussions and decreasing the stigma, communities can aid in making sure that individuals feel safe in searching for resources when they are in need.
This article was written as part of a program to educate youth and others about Alameda County’s opioid crisis, prevention and treatment options. The program is funded by the Alameda County Behavioral Health and the grant is administered by Three Valleys Community Foundation.
