Developing a recovery playbook for Muslim Americans experiencing substance use disorders

Shoomali, Shamim; Peer, Firaz

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/126202 Copy

Description

Title

Developing a recovery playbook for Muslim Americans experiencing substance use disorders

Author(s)

• Shoomali, Shamim
• Peer, Firaz

Issue Date

2025-03-11

Keyword(s)

• Participatory Design
• Health
• Community
• Playbook

Abstract

Substance use in the Muslim American community presents distinct challenges influenced by cultural, religious, and social factors. Research shows that while Muslim Americans generally report lower substance use compared to the general population, the pressures of acculturation and navigating dual identities can increase the likelihood of substance use. One study found that 46.6% of Muslim American college students reported alcohol use in the past year, with religiosity and parental disapproval serving as protective factors. Furthermore, qualitative studies indicate that substance use is often kept hidden due to the stigma within Muslim American communities. Addressing these issues requires culturally sensitive prevention and treatment programs that consider the diverse backgrounds and needs of Muslim Americans. The focus of this project was to design a participatory recovery resource guide, using a critical design approach, to support Muslim Americans across various cities in their recovery journeys. The design process was informed by 15 interviews with community organizers, health workers, imams, and spiritual healers from cities throughout the US. These individuals had experience offering recovery services to the Muslim American community, with some having personally gone through the recovery process. The design team then hosted two online workshops with seven of the interviewees to collaborate on the format and content of the resource guide.

Publisher

iSchools

Series/Report Name or Number

iConference 2025 Proceedings

Type of Resource

Other

Genre of Resource

Conference Poster

Language

eng

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/126202

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2025 is held by Shamim Shoomali and Firaz Peer. Copyright permissions, when appropriate, must be obtained directly from the authors.

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