Do South Asians Have a Secret Drinking Problem?
The British used alcohol to control the community. A Surgeon General advisory finds it’s now killing us in new ways.
Ibah Shah didn’t expect to swerve out of control, total his car, and end up in his childhood bedroom in his parents’ house. At least not again.
“The second time that happened, it resulted in a DUI,” said Shah, who recalled hitting “rock bottom.” For Shah, things hadn’t been easy. Growing up queer, Pakistani, and Muslim in Connecticut felt overwhelming. Alcohol helped him relax until the once straight-A honor student found his life swerving off the rails, leaving him without a job, without a car, and isolated as he drank all day in his room. Unbeknownst to his parents, Shah had been addicted to alcohol for years.
South Asians globally have a long, troubled history with alcohol — and now, new risk are emerging. In January, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy warned that even moderate alcohol consumption can lead to cancer. For many South Asians, these issues can compound other health problems. Will the latest cancer warning compel South Asians to swear off drinking for good?