Ram Arora
Ram Arora
Punjabi Detox podcast : how did UK fare during 2020, the year of the lockdown
Punjabi Detox podcast : how did UK fare during 2020, the year of the lockdown
Punjabi Detox podcast : how did UK fare during 2020, the year of the lockdown
Saturday 15th May 2021
Dr. Ram Arora examines the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on alcoholism in the UK's South Asian community, revealing increased mortality and barriers to help.
12 minutes
Informative
Thought-provoking
Raw
Empowering
Compassionate
About this podcast
Author:
Ram Arora
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery from Trauma
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Community & Support Networks
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Episodes:
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Get the buttons here!Lockdown's Toll: Alcoholism in the UK’s South Asian Community
Whilst the people of our community don't seek that help, the problems at their homes intensify, be it domestic violence, be it financial difficulties, be it worsening of mental health issues. All these issues tend to worsen.
Ever wondered how the COVID-19 lockdown affected alcohol consumption in the South Asian community in the UK? Dr. Ram Arora dives into this pressing issue in his Punjabi Detox podcast. With a staggering 19.6% increase in alcohol-specific mortality reported by the Office of National Statistics, it's clear that the lockdown had severe consequences for many. Dr.
Arora sheds light on how stigma and stereotypes often prevent South Asians from seeking help, worsening issues like domestic violence, financial stress, and mental health struggles. The data paints a grim picture, especially for poorer areas of England, where alcohol-related deaths soared compared to more affluent regions. Dr. Arora highlights that people of Asian origin have always been underrepresented in alcohol treatment services, and the lockdown only made these barriers more formidable.
While there was a rise in online help-seeking, the support offered wasn't always evidence-based. Several factors contributed to the spike in alcohol consumption during lockdown. Negative social media, fake news, and aggressive alcohol industry promotions played significant roles. For instance, in China, the drinks industry sponsored music events where alcohol could be delivered to your home with just a button press.
This surge in drinking led to an increase in domestic violence and a doubling of referrals for alcoholic liver disease at King's College liver unit, with 70% of deaths related to alcohol stemming from this disease. Dr. Arora emphasizes the importance of tackling health inequalities and creating services that reflect the community's diversity. Employing more people from ethnic minorities within these services, raising awareness about alcohol's mental health impact, and providing trauma-focused care are crucial steps forward.
For those struggling with alcohol addiction in the Asian community, Dr. Arora advises persistence in seeking help, exploring local resources, and finding qualified support online. Tune into this episode to understand the multifaceted impact of lockdown on alcoholism within the South Asian community and discover ways to address these challenges moving forward.