Addictions remain a taboo topic among expatriates. Behind the postcard-perfect image of an expat enjoying life abroad with great advantages sometimes lies a more complex reality: smoking, alcohol, drugs, and behavioral dependencies. The underlying causes? Isolation, work-related stress, and the challenge of adapting to a new environment. International mobility often heightens psychological vulnerability. An addiction is a dependence on a substance or activity that negatively impacts a person’s health and daily life. It’s time to break the taboo. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of addiction, why they may worsen abroad, the warning signs to watch for, and most importantly, how to manage addictions while living overseas.
Moving abroad is often viewed as a fresh start, a chance to begin anew. But this can be an illusion. Expats bring their emotional baggage with them, often without realizing it.
Psychological fragility, past trauma, and a genetic predisposition to addiction all increase the risk of developing a dependency.
Abroad, conditions are often ripe for addictions to emerge or intensify. Pre-existing addictions may escalate. Key contributing factors include isolation, loss of familiar routines, culture shock, work-related stress, and availability or normalization of certain substances (e.g. cheap alcohol, relaxed cannabis laws, lack of strict medical oversight).
For example, Germany is one of the countries that has fully legalized recreational cannabis. This legal status, combined with workplace pressure and the normalization of use, creates an environment where dependency can easily develop for expats.
Alcohol consumption may also rise due to frequent social events such as aperitifs, afterwork drinks, or parties with colleagues.
Statistically, addiction issues affect men more than women, though women are also impacted.
The most frequent addictions among expatriates include:
Tobacco: readily available and often linked to social anxiety;
Alcohol: used for social integration, to cope with loneliness, or as a daily “reward”;
Recreational drugs: sought for their disinhibiting effects or to chase intense experiences;
Medication: specially anti-anxiety drugs and sleeping pills, often self-prescribed due to a lack of medical follow-up.
According to the Addiction Center, behavioral addictions are also important to consider. These include sex addiction, gambling addiction, Internet addiction, shopping addiction, screen addiction and binge eating.
Food-related dependencies, such as bulimia, are harder to detect but can affect some expats, particularly women.
Managing addiction begins with awareness. But how do you recognize an addiction while living in a foreign country?
One of the key signs is a loss of control: the person feels a strong, irresistible urge to consume the substance, known as “craving.”
Doctors often observe increased tolerance, meaning the individual needs larger quantities to achieve the same effect.
Addiction also impacts behavior and social life. Common signs include social withdrawal, decline in work performance and strained personal relationships. In some cases, loved ones back home may notice behavioral changes during return visits.
Be wary of rationalizations like “It’s just temporary,” “I’m managing,” or “It’s part of the culture here.” These often signal a deeper issue: the individual has already lost control.
If you or someone close to you is struggling with addiction, early action is crucial. Managing addiction abroad involves several key steps:
Acknowledge the issue: name the problem and move out of denial;
Seek support: connect with local or online groups (e.g., International AA, expat support forums);
Consult specialists: reach out to therapists familiar with expat challenges; telehealth is often an accessible option;
Establish a healthy routine: include physical activity, journaling, and social interactions that don’t involve addictive behaviors. Volunteering locally can also help create structure;
Build a healthy support network: avoid emotional dependency on a single social group (e.g. heavy-drinking colleagues). Attend support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
The best approach to managing addiction is prevention, both before and during the move. Begin by reflecting on your current habits and dependencies.
For example, if you typically drink a glass or two of wine each evening, ask yourself: can I go without it? Do I feel a strong urge to drink every night?
Next, create a stress management plan before your move. This could include wellness routines, regular exercise, and breathing techniques.
Set clear boundaries, for instance, no alcohol consumption on weekdays.
It’s also wise to research local support resources in advance. Know where to go and whom to contact if help becomes necessary.
The upheaval of moving abroad can surface underlying vulnerabilities, sometimes leading to addiction. Take the time to reflect, with the support of a professional, on your relationship with substances or behaviors that may be getting out of control. You don’t have to face it alone.
Seeking help is not a sign of failure: it’s a courageous step toward healing.
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