Substance Use, Addiction, and Recovery:
Exploring Patterns and Perspectives Among American Muslims

Conducted by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) in partnership with Stanford's Muslim Mental Health and Islamic Psychology Lab, this qualitative study explored themes from the lived experiences of 14 American Muslims in recovery from substance use and addiction or with family members who have histories of addiction. 

This report focuses on five key themes that emerged from the interviews:

1. Participants' definitions of addiction as a progressive disease requiring ongoing treatment
2. Motivations for use, including trauma, family history, early exposure, and the search for escape from emotional pain
3. Family dynamics that served as both supportive and hindering factors
4. Limited access to culturally and spiritually informed treatment resources
5. Muslim communities acting predominantly as barriers to recovery due to stigma and judgment

While many participants found strength through faith and family support, others experienced shame and isolation within their communities, highlighting an urgent need for community education, mosque-based recovery programs, and Muslim-centered addiction resources to destigmatize substance abuse and create inclusive support systems.

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