Exploring a culturally tailored psychoeducational intervention for Vietnamese Australians affected by alcohol, other drugs and gambling in South Western Sydney: A pre-post qualitative study

Vietnamese communities in South Western Sydney experience migration-related stressors, stigma, and barriers to accessing alcohol and other drug (AOD) and gambling services. Culturally tailored psychoeducational interventions may improve recovery-oriented outcomes; however, qualitative evidence in this population is limited. This study explores how Vietnamese participants with lived or indirect experience of AOD and/or gambling frame their experiences and examines the perceived impact of a culturally tailored psychoeducational program on recovery and quality of life. An exploratory pre-post qualitative study was conducted within a public drug and alcohol service in South Western Sydney, Australia. Seventeen Vietnamese-background adults enrolled in a five-session psychoeducational program covering AOD literacy, family communication, legal awareness, stress management, and self-care. Eleven participants completed all program sessions and both pre- and post-intervention interviews and were included in the final analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted primarily in Vietnamese before and after the intervention and were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Four interrelated themes were identified:(1) migration stress, stigma, and family-centred framing of addiction; (2) limited pre-intervention service and legal literacy; (3) psychoeducation as a pathway to empowerment and emotional regulation; and (4) recovery reframed as quality of life and relational repair. Participants reported improved self-efficacy, emotional regulation, communication skills, and knowledge of treatment and legal systems. Recovery was conceptualized beyond abstinence, encompassing strengthened recovery capital, reduced stigma, and improved family functioning. Culturally tailored psychoeducation was acceptable and beneficial for Vietnamese participants affected by AOD and gambling harms. It enhanced recovery capital, reduced stigma, and supported culturally meaningful recovery pathways. Such interventions may serve as valuable adjuncts to mainstream AOD services for culturally and linguistically diverse populations.