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Aug-Sep15
LIFE&FAMILY
1
Loneliness and isolation
Loneliness is a huge factor in addiction. Expats are
often isolated from a true support network of close friends
or family. Over and above that, feeling different and out of
place can be depressing and lead to further isolation. Stay-
at-home spouses are especially vulnerable to this type of
loneliness – living in a new culture where they don’t speak
the local language, many unintentionally begin to self-
medicate with substances and it soon turns into a problem.
Speaking of his own experience, John says, “At home
when your behaviour becomes worrisome, friends and
family are more likely to intervene; but as an expat the
isolation can lead to problems left unchecked and
developing further.”
2
Stress of the job and moving to a
new city
Many of the jobs for expats in Hong Kong are in the financial
industry, or at managerial level in other industries. “These
jobs offer great pay, but they come with long hours and
intense pressure,” says Joanne Schmitt, “leading some
to use alcohol and other substances to cope or relax.
There is also pressure on family members to make a good
impression in order to fit in with their new social circles.
For trailing spouses, stress can build up, as they find
themselves having to host business or social parties with
different cultural norms, find the right schools, and keep
up appearances.”
“Many expat children have it no easier, especially
adolescents – they miss their old friendships, and try to
gain acceptance with their new peers. It’s well established
that the inability to deal with stress effectively is a leading
cause of substance abuse.”
3
Accessibility of drugs and alcohol
Depending on the location, expats may find that
alcohol and even illicit drugs are more affordable than
back home. For example, cocaine in Hong Kong is readily
available and is cheaper to purchase than in most Western
countries. Cocaine addiction is the second most common
addiction treated at The Cabin, only behind alcohol.
4
Social environment
Alcohol is a major part of social and business
environments all over the world. Unlike in the West, in
Asia hard liquor and long, heavy drinking sessions are
a characteristic part of business networking and client
meetings. Furthermore, expats may think that a bar or pub
is a good place to go out and meet people and unknowingly
find themselves indulging in drinks much more often than
they would at home. According to John, “The expat culture
in Asia is conducive to heavy drinking. The sheer number
of people in similar situations away from home and under
the seductive lure of cheap bars and seemingly fun stress
relief makes the drinking culture of expats massive.”
Life as an expat can be incredibly rewarding. However, this
same lifestyle exempts no one from the risk factors for addiction.
For expats struggling with addiction, there is help available. In
speaking of his own recovery, John offers others a sense of
hope: “I’m six months sober now, and I can say that life is much
better and I can still have fun in Hong Kong.”
7 ways to tell if someone is
suffering from an addiction
1. Relationship problems
2. Irritability and mood changes
3. Lying and keeping secrets
4. Decreased productivity at school or work
5. Changes in sleeping habits, energy andmotivation
6. Sudden money problems
7. Drastic physical changes
For more information on treatment options at The Cabin,
visit
thecabinhongkong.com.hk.Piotr Wawrzyniuk | Dreamstime.com