Breaking the Silence: What Young Pakistani Men in Rochdale Told Us About Addiction

First Focus Group held at Bilal Community Centre, Rochdale

Addiction is not just a statistic — it’s a lived reality for many in our community. Yet, in South Asian Muslim communities, it’s often hidden behind closed doors. To better understand the challenges and needs, we held our first focus group with eight Pakistani Muslim men aged 14–40 from Rochdale, supported by High Level Northern Trust and The Young Khadims.

Our aim was simple: to hear directly from young men about their views on addiction, the stigma surrounding it, and what support is needed.

How We Listened

The focus group took place at Bilal Islamic Centre and included interactive activities — a word association game, multiple-choice quiz, and a “statement corner” exercise — designed to spark honest conversations.We also used real-life examples, Islamic teachings, and short social media videos to explore cultural and religious responses to addiction.

What We Learned

1. From “Weakness” to “Health Issue”

At the start, many saw addiction as a personal weakness or moral failing. By the end, most recognised it as a health condition, often linked to trauma, anxiety, or depression.

2. Stigma and Language Are Huge Barriers

Participants told us stigma — shaped by concepts like izzat (honour) and sharam (shame) — stops families from speaking up.Language compounds the problem: Urdu/Pahari terms like nasha (intoxication) oversimplify addiction, and slang like chursy dehumanises people. Many didn’t even know the Urdu word for “trauma” (sadma) — not because it doesn’t exist, but because conversations aren’t happening.

3. Silence from Mosques

The men felt addiction is rarely addressed in mosques, even though drug use and dealing affect young South Asian men. They urged mosque leaders — especially younger imams — to speak openly from the pulpit, receive training, and challenge harmful myths.

4. Gaps in Crisis Support

A powerful story emerged: one participant described helping a young man in the middle of the night who was suicidal. With no clear crisis pathways, the situation relied entirely on personal trust and intervention. This shows the urgent need for clear, trusted routes to help in moments of crisis.

5. Nitrous Oxide Use on the Rise

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is becoming a drug of choice among South Asian youth.Elders often see discarded canisters in the street without realising what they are. Young people told us they use it casually, sometimes alongside cannabis, without understanding the risks — and that some have already developed dependency.

6. Faith, Myths, and Misunderstanding

Some addiction and mental health struggles are wrongly attributed to supernatural causes like jadoo (black magic) or jinn possession. Participants agreed faith can be a powerful support, but only when paired with professional, evidence-based help. Poorly informed religious advice — such as abrupt withdrawal from alcohol without medical guidance — can cause real harm.

7. Social Media Is Underused

Real human stories were rated as the most effective awareness tool, followed by multilingual animations. Social media, they said, is a powerful but underused way to reach both youth and elders.

Central Needs Identified

From everything they told us, a picture emerged of what’s urgently needed:

1. Raise Awareness – Real-life stories and targeted multilingual social media to normalise conversations.

2. Mosque Engagement – Friday sermons and dedicated sessions on addiction, plus imam training.

3. Language & Education Resources – Non-stigmatising terms and materials for families and leaders.

4. Combat Myths – Tackle supernatural explanations and promote professional help alongside faith support.

5. Nitrous Oxide Awareness – Intergenerational education on its risks.

6. Crisis Pathways – Trusted, clear routes for those in immediate danger.

7. Community Leader Training – Addiction basics, withdrawal risks, and service signposting.

8. Proactive Outreach – Take the conversation to youth centres, community halls, and social spaces.

9. Collaboration with Services – Work with mainstream providers to improve cultural competence and trust.

10. Data Collection – Keep recording the scale and scope of addiction to guide interventions.

Why This Matters

These eight men spoke with courage and honesty about issues often swept under the carpet. Their message was clear: We need open, informed, and compassionate conversations about addiction. Families, leaders, and institutions must move past silence and shame, and take proactive steps to protect and support our community.

At The Salik Project UK, we see this as just the beginning. The more we talk, listen, and learn, the better we can respond to addiction — not as a moral failure, but as a health issue that demands understanding, action, and hope.

If you’d like to join the conversation or help us raise awareness, get in touch: help@salikfoundationuk.org