Glamorized in Media, Harmful in Reality: Substance Abuse in Punjabi Communities

Substance abuse has been prevalent for a long time in many communities, but it is especially visible in the Punjabi community. Growing up, I’ve seen substance use affect many family members and impact their work, schooling, and overall well-being. Substance use has been common among young men and often continues throughout their lives.

There are many reasons for this issue, but one major factor is the media. For decades, both in Punjab and in Punjabi communities around the world, Punjabi pop culture has explicitly romanticized and promoted alcohol more than in many other parts of India. Because of this, I believe substance abuse in the Punjabi community needs more open discussion. The glamorization of these behaviors has gone on for far too long, and although it may be difficult for both men and women to break these habits, it is important to consider possible solutions. Doing so can help prevent future Punjabi generations from falling into harmful patterns that could lead to long-term consequences or even death.

One component that could possibly help is working with local communities, understanding cultural and religious norms with alcohol abuse. For instance, in an article, made by the University of Birmingham describes a new guidance launched to help people from the Punjabi community with alcohol problems. This recommendation underlines that support services should not rely on a “one-size-fits-all” approach; rather, they should be built in conjunction with the community from the very beginning. It suggests that initiatives aimed at addressing alcohol abuse in the Punjabi community take the time to establish trust with important local institutions and comprehend cultural norms, such as how gender, religion, and social expectations can affect drinking habits and attitudes toward seeking help.

To conclude, openly addressing substance use within the Punjabi community and providing culturally sensitive support has the potential to create meaningful change, reduce long-term harm, and create healthier outcomes for future generations. 

Written by: Sameera Gill