4th Edition of Psychiatry and Addiction World Conference 2026

Abstract

Addiction is a complex biopsychosocial condition; however, its development, expression, recognition and treatment are profoundly influenced by cultural and social context. Across Asia, considerable diversity exists in attitudes toward alcohol and drug use, gambling, gaming and other behavioral addictions. This presentation explores addiction through a cross-cultural perspective, focusing on South Asia (Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh), Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines), and East Asia (China, Japan and South Korea). Particular attention is given to the influence of family expectations, collectivist values, religion and spirituality, gender roles, stigma, shame and fear of disclosure. In many Asian communities, the family can function both as a powerful protective factor and as a potential barrier to treatment when addiction is concealed because of concerns about reputation, social judgment or family honor. Women experiencing addiction may face additional stigma and barriers to accessing appropriate services. The presentation also considers how socioeconomic change, migration, tourism, rapid urbanization, technological development and changing social structures may influence patterns of substance use and behavioral addiction. Traditional and community-based approaches to healing are considered alongside evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), family interventions, relapse prevention and structured rehabilitation. Rather than assuming that treatment models developed in one cultural setting can be universally transferred, this presentation advocates for culturally responsive addiction treatment that preserves evidence-based clinical principles while adapting communication, family participation, spirituality, treatment engagement and recovery goals to the cultural context of the individual.