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My Journey with Alcohol as a Kenyan in the U.S.

Moving to the U.S. was a significant step in my life, filled with excitement and the promise of new opportunities. However, along with the excitement came challenges I hadn’t fully anticipated, particularly when it came to alcohol. As a Kenyan navigating life in a new country, I found myself struggling with alcohol in ways I never had before.

Understanding the Struggle

Substance abuse is a widespread issue, but as a Kenyan immigrant, my experience with alcohol was influenced by several unique factors. Cultural displacement, the stress of adapting to a new environment, and the ease of access to affordable alcohol in the U.S. all played a role in my struggle.

Cultural Displacement and Isolation

One of the toughest challenges I faced was the sense of isolation. Back in Kenya, I was surrounded by a strong community and close family ties. In the U.S., those connections felt distant, and the resulting loneliness became overwhelming. Alcohol quickly became an easy escape, a way to fill the void left by that sense of belonging I once had.

Pressure to Succeed

Like many Kenyans in the U.S., I felt immense pressure to succeed, not just for myself but for my family back home. The weight of their expectations, combined with the challenges of adapting to a new job market and different cultural norms, created a lot of stress. Alcohol became my way of coping, a temporary relief from the anxiety and pressure that built up over time.

The Affordability of Alcohol

In the U.S., alcohol is not only easily accessible but also relatively affordable compared to Kenya. This affordability made it easier to indulge more frequently, and what started as occasional drinking quickly became a regular habit. Social gatherings, where alcohol was often central, normalized this behavior, making it difficult to see when things were spiraling out of control.

Breaking the Silence

One of the hardest parts of my journey was acknowledging and talking about my struggles with alcohol. In Kenyan culture, admitting to a problem with substance use can feel like admitting to a personal failure. The stigma attached to addiction led me to keep my struggles hidden for a long time. It wasn’t easy, but eventually, I realized that the only way to overcome this challenge was to break the silence and seek help.

Finding Support and Recovery

Finding the right support was crucial in my journey to sobriety. I connected with resources that understood the cultural context of being a Kenyan in the U.S., including counseling and support groups tailored to the African immigrant experience. Through these resources, I found a community that offered understanding and compassion, helping me to rebuild my life.

Conclusion

My experience with alcohol as a Kenyan in the U.S. has been a difficult journey, but it has also been one of growth and self-discovery. I’ve learned that overcoming substance abuse is not just about willpower; it’s about finding the right support and being willing to speak openly about the challenges. My story is just one of many, but I hope it can help others in the Kenyan community who might be facing similar struggles. We don’t have to navigate these challenges alone—there is always a way forward.

In reflecting on my journey, I realized that my struggles with alcohol were not unique—many others in our community face similar challenges. This realization led to the creation of Tigoni Treatment and Rehab Center, a place built to offer the support, understanding, and care that I wished I had during my toughest times. At Tigoni, we are dedicated to helping individuals confront and overcome their struggles with substance abuse, providing a compassionate and culturally aware environment where they can rebuild their lives and find a path to recovery.

Senior Counselor

Clinical Director