UK mosques break silence on drug and alcohol addiction

More mosques are addressing drug and alcohol misuse to support struggling community members 

PETERBOROUGH, UK (MNTV) — Mosques across the U.K. are opening their doors to discussions on substance abuse, challenging long-standing taboos and offering faith-based support for those battling addiction.

Recently, Peterborough’s Faizan-e-Madina mosque hosted its first-ever substance abuse awareness event, drawing praise from healthcare professionals and community leaders. 

Young attendees, aged 13 to 20, asked anonymous questions about peer pressure and addiction, while organizers used interactive tools—such as goggles simulating intoxication—to illustrate the dangers of substance use.

According to UK-based online magazine Hyphen, this initiative is part of a growing effort by U.K. mosques to engage with addiction issues. 

Raja Alyas, a community worker with the drug and alcohol recovery service Aspire, told Hyphen that mosque leaders are increasingly open to discussing substance misuse. 

“The imams and the mosque committee have already asked when we can do the next session. Another mosque has reached out to collaborate,” he said.

Historically, addiction has been a hidden issue in Muslim communities due to religious prohibitions and stigma. 

A 2020 survey by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding found that 37% of American Muslims knew someone struggling with addiction, yet recovering addicts were seen as the least desirable marriage partners. 

Dr. Azam Chaudry, a general practitioner involved in the Peterborough event, told Hyphen that many people delay seeking treatment out of fear and lack of awareness. 

“If they don’t know where to get help, it’s much harder for them to access support,” he said.

Other mosques are stepping in. Hujjat Mosque in northwest London has launched a counseling service connecting individuals with trained Muslim therapists. 

Hujjat Mosque in northwest London has expanded its role beyond religious lectures, now offering counseling services for mental health and substance misuse. 

This shift reflects a broader recognition that mosques should serve as community support centers, providing help for those in crisis alongside religious activities.

In Birmingham, faith-sensitive addiction recovery programs have emerged, adapting the Alcoholics Anonymous model to align with Islamic principles. 

This approach acknowledges the need for culturally relevant support systems, making treatment more accessible and effective for Muslim communities.

While progress has been gradual, attitudes are evolving. Mosques, once seen as places for worship alone, are increasingly becoming spaces for open discussion on issues like addiction. 

Though challenges remain, there is growing recognition that addressing such topics is essential for community well-being.