How Addiction Impacts Immigrants and Refugees

Each year, over 123 million people are forced to leave their countries because of war, persecution, or climate-driven hardship. Separated from family, culture, and the familiar rhythms of daily life, immigrants and refugees often carry heavy loads of grief, uncertainty, and chronic stress into their new surroundings. 

These pressures can, sometimes, make alcohol or other drugs feel like quick, affordable coping tools. In fact, recent research indicates that refugees are more likely to develop a substance-use disorder yet less likely to receive treatment than native-born residents - an imbalance driven by language barriers, legal and financial worries, and deep-rooted stigma.

Left unaddressed, addiction can compound trauma, isolate newcomers from the very community ties they need the most, and derail the fresh start they risked everything to pursue. In this article, we explore how addiction impacts immigrants and refugees in more detail.

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Why Immigrants and Refugees Are at Higher Risk for Addiction

Moving to a new country can feel like an adventure, but it can also be one of the toughest tests a person ever faces. Many immigrants and refugees leave behind friends, family, and the only homes they have ever known. They may arrive with almost nothing - just a bag, a few papers, and big hopes for the future. 

Yet, the road ahead is often rocky. Newcomers have to learn unfamiliar streets, rules, and sometimes a new alphabet. On top of this, financial stress can add a whole other layer. In times like these, alcohol or other drugs can look like a quick way to stop the pain - at least for a moment. With this in mind, here are the top reasons why many immigrants and refugees are at a higher risk of addiction.

Pre-Existing Trauma

Before reaching safety, many people have already lived through bombings, other attacks, long journeys, or months in crowded refugee camps. Their minds may keep replaying loud noises, screams, or hunger pangs. These memories can cause nightmares, jumpy nerves, and deep sadness. 

As such, a drink, a pill, or a hit may seem like the only pause button they have. But the relief is short, and often using drugs only leads to further issues.

Increased Stress

Landing in a new country does not end the pressure; it simply changes the shape of it. If you don’t know the language, buying bus tickets or visiting the doctor can be a whole ordeal. On top of this, newcomers face job hunts, bills, and also proper immigration paperwork. It can be a lot to handle. 

As a result, substance abuse can be easy to turn to, especially when stress is high and one is looking for an escape. 

Help is Inaccessible

Asking for treatment is brave, but many immigrants struggle with finding the right help. Health insurance may cost more than their whole paycheck. Clinics fill up fast, and waitlists stretch for months. Some fear that talking about drug use could harm their visa or asylum case. 

Additionally, in some cultures, being open about addiction is seen as bringing shame on the whole family. Thus, problems stay hidden. 

Increased Pressure on Youth

At home, parents might expect the next generation to keep old traditions alive. At school, however, classmates may tease them for being “different.” Many young people try alcohol, vaping, or pills just to blend in or numb the feeling that they do not belong anywhere. Because they often keep secrets from adults, their use can quickly escalate. Early use also changes the growing brain, making it easier for habits to turn into hard-to-break addictions.

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How Addiction Affects Daily Life for Immigrants and Refugees

Addiction can seep into nearly every part of an immigrant or refugee’s day, including:

• Finances
• Employment
• Education & training
• Language learning
• Physical health
• Mental health
• Family relationships
• Parenting & child safety
• Legal & immigration status
• Housing & community ties

For instance, in the case of addiction, limited cash is stretched even thinner, while cravings or hangovers steal the focus needed for job hunts, language lessons, and parenting. Missed classes, unpaid bills, and legal slip-ups can slow—or even stop—progress toward steady work, secure housing, and a pathway to citizenship.  But understanding exactly where substance use causes the most strain helps families and helpers spot trouble early and build stronger support.

Are you or a loved one struggling? At Freedom Recovery Centers, our compassionate and caring team is here to help. Together, we can help you pave the way toward a more hopeful and healthier future. Call us at 804-635-3746; take that first step today. You don’t need to face this alone.