Behind Closed Doors: The Silent Struggle of Addiction in South Asian Families

In many South Asian families, addiction is not just a personal battle—it’s a source of shame. Whether it affects a son, daughter, parent, or spouse, families often respond with silence, playing a quiet game of denial in an effort to protect their reputation. The result? Vital help is delayed. Many wait, hoping their loved one will recover on their own, relying on willpower and family support instead of professional intervention.

For those who do take on the burden of care—and there are many—it often happens behind closed doors, in isolation, and without support from the wider community. This silence can have a devastating impact. We’ve listened to countless stories and witnessed firsthand how caring for a loved one battling addiction can take an emotional and psychological toll. The pressure, the stress, and the loneliness can break even the strongest carers. And when the carer suffers, the chances of the addict’s recovery suffer too.

At Salik Project UK, we believe this cycle must be broken.

Just as it takes a village to raise a child, we believe it takes a whole community to support someone in recovery. The addict needs care—but so does the carer. And that responsibility falls on all of us. A united community can offer strength, hope, and practical help where it’s needed most.

We don’t just signpost families to services—we walk with them. From emotional support to everyday essentials, we provide practical help that makes a real difference. Financial stress, food insecurity, or the lack of basic necessities can all be barriers to healing. That’s why we advocate on behalf of both the addict and the carer, working to secure small grants and resources that ease the burden.

Caring for someone with an addiction can feel like a full-time job, especially for elders in our community who are often unfamiliar with the systems and language needed to get help. Through emotional, educational, and financial support, Salik Project UK ensures no carer is left to face this alone.

We are here.

We see you.

We support you.

We are The Salik Project UK.