Breaking the Silence,
Building a
stronger Future

Asians in Recovery is a nonprofit on a mission to confront substance use in the AAPI community by fostering connection, healing, and empowerment.

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OUR STORY

For too long, substance use in the AAPI community has been overlooked. Stigma, cultural barriers, and a lack of representation have kept many from seeking the help they need. Asians in Recovery (AIR) was founded to change that.

AIR is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the AAPI community to overcome substance use through mentorship, culturally informed education, and access to essential resources.

We are committed to fostering a world where conversations about sobriety are met with understanding, dignity, and compassion—where no one has to struggle in silence. By breaking the stigma, providing representation, and creating community, we help AAPI individuals and families build lasting recovery.

When we see ourselves in the solution, recovery becomes possible.

OUR MISSION

To provide mentorship, education, and resources that empower the AAPI community to overcome substance use and build lasting recovery.

OUR VISION

A future where every AAPI individual seeking recovery sees themselves represented in the solution and has access to culturally informed support.

  • Many AAPI individuals struggling with substance use don’t see themselves in recovery spaces, making it harder to seek help. AIR creates a place where they feel seen and supported.

  • By sharing our stories, we reduce shame and encourage open conversations around recovery.

  • Recovery is stronger when guided by someone who understands—our mentors have lived experience and provide support through shared understanding.

  • We connect individuals to recovery support that respects AAPI cultural identities and values.

WHY asians in recovery (AIR)?

A Message from the Founder

As an Asian American in recovery, I intimately understand the challenges of substance use and the profound sense of isolation that often accompanies the stigma. It is a lonely journey, especially when you don't see yourself reflected in the support and resources being offered.

My call to action came in 2023, after a mental health conference revealed that suicide had tragically become the leading cause of death for young Asian Americans since the pandemic. Motivated to become a representative for my community, I became certified as an alcohol and drug counselor. While working on the front lines, I saw the critical reality: the AAPI community was being left behind without culturally informed resources.

This unaddressed gap inspired me to take decisive action. I founded Asians in Recovery to close this resource gap and build the supportive community we all deserve.

I invite you to connect with me and explore my professional journey on LinkedIn.

Meet Our Board of Director

  • Beverly Narayan

    Strategic Leader & Legal Advisor

    Bev Narayan brings a powerful blend of executive leadership and legal expertise to the Board. A JD from UC Law San Francisco underpins a career that includes serving as a Partner at a major firm and a Managing Attorney for Zurich North America, providing essential guidance on governance and compliance. As a proven leader, she defines strategies that transform efficiency and satisfaction metrics, helping AIR scale its initiatives and build the foundational structures required for lasting success.

  • Rachel Sandoval

    MSW, Clinical Program Expert & Community Networker

    Rachel Sandoval brings a vital combination of extensive frontline clinical experience and community insight to the Board. With five years as a Certified SUD Counselor (CADC-I) and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from California State University, Northridge (CSUN), she provides essential guidance on program efficacy and service integrity. Rachel’s work has built a robust industry network that offers direct, invaluable insight into the needs of diverse populations. She leverages her expertise to inform AIR’s service delivery and ensure its programs remain aligned with best practices in the field.

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