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

PUBLICATION DATE
Published January 28, 2026
Author

Rania Awaad, PhD

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:

• Participants’ definitions of addiction as a progressive disease requiring ongoing treatment
• Motivations for use, including trauma, family history, early exposure, and the search for escape from emotional pain
• Family dynamics that served as both supportive and hindering factors
• Limited access to culturally and spiritually informed treatment resources
• 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.

 

Download the Report

 

Access the Digital Report

 
 

Explore Supplementary Documents:

Appendix I: Interview Guide
Appendix II: Methodology

Partners

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The Research Team

Rania Awaad, PhD
Primary Investigator

Aminah McBryde-Redzovic, PhD
Research Assistant

Ammaar Kazi
Research Assistant

Jennah Shagan
Research Assistant

Heba Khan
Research Assistant

Sana Shareef
Research Assistant

Taimur Kouser
Research Assistant

Saher Selod, PhD
ISPU Director of Research

Sarah Baker
Research Project Manager

The Advisory Team

Basem Hamid, MD
President, Wasat Institute

Amer Raheemullah, MD
Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University

Ali Sayed, BPA
Founder & CEO of HYPE Athletics Community and SAFE Psychology & Wellness Center

Abdirahman Warsame
Co-Founder, Executive Director, Generation Hope

Tabari Zahir, LCSW
Founding Director of Lamps of Light Project, Lead addiction counselor at Lamps of Light Project, Chaplain at University of California, Los Angeles

Explore Case Studies:

A blurred image of two people sitting across from each other, one holding a clipboard. Text reads: Substance Use and Addiction Services for American Muslims: A Case Study of Alliance Wellness Center, Bloomington, Minnesota.
Alliance Wellness Center
A person holds a clipboard and pen, taking notes, while another person sits nearby with hands clasped. Text below reads “Substance Use and Addiction Services for American Muslims: A Case Study of Lamps of Light.”.
Lamps of Light
A person sits with their head in their hands, appearing distressed, while another person takes notes. The text reads, Substance Use and Addiction Services for American Muslims: A Case Study of Madina House Clinic, Bay Area, California.
Madina House Clinic

Webinar: Substance Use, Addiction, and Recovery in American Muslim Communities

Substance use and addiction are often hidden and highly stigmatized within Muslim communities, shaped by silence, shame, and limited culturally responsive resources. Join the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) for a discussion on our new report on substance use and recovery among American Muslims.

During this webinar, panelists will explore the issue through three key lenses:
Community & stigma: How shame, judgment, and social norms within Muslim communities can hinder help-seeking—and what it takes to build cultures of support
Clinical & culturally responsive care: Gaps in addiction treatment and the need for care that is culturally and spiritually informed
Family & faith: The dual role of families and faith as both sources of resilience and potential barriers to recovery

This conversation will highlight findings from the report and discuss actionable steps for community members, faith leaders, clinicians, and policymakers to reduce stigma and strengthen compassionate, inclusive pathways to recovery.

Panel of Experts:
• Dr. Rania Awaad, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Director, Stanford Muslim Mental Health & Islamic Psychology Lab
• Tabari Zahir, Founder & Executive Director, Lamps of Light
• Dr. Aminah McBryde, Coordinator, Stanford Muslim Mental Health & Islamic Psychology Lab
• Khaleelah Onque, Executive Secretary, Millati Islami