Treatment of alcohol use disorder among people of South Asian ancestry in Canada and the United States: A narrative review

Abstract

To explore access and treatment for alcohol use disorders (AUDs) among people of South Asian ancestry living in Canada or the United State, EQUATOR guidelines were applied to 34 manuscripts identified through an English language literature search (1946–2017) for this narrative review. The population studied has poor access to and engagement with treatment for AUD. Early evidence suggests benefit from adopting language-specific materials, offering South Asian–specific therapy groups, and incorporating traditional healers. Specific engagement and therapy considerations may increase AUD treatment access and effectiveness among South Asians living in Canada or the United States.

Keywords:

• South Asian
• alcohol use disorder
• treatment
• immigrant

Disclosure statement

No financial interest or benefit has arisen from the direct applications of this research.

Funding details

This study is not supported by any grant. The corresponding author receives a research training salary through the University of British Columbia Clinical Scholars Program.