Health
In binge-tolerant Japan, alcoholism not seen as disease
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-11-16 14:53
Prince Tomohito, the 63-year-year old cousin of the emperor, told the country in 2007 that he was an alcoholic.
"Alcoholics were seen as people with personality problems," said Tetsutaro Tatsuki of self-help group All Nippon Abstinence Association.
"They were proof that it is not an illness just for a handful of people, but that anyone could become alcoholic."
Some experts said Nakagawa's death was a lost opportunity to show that recovering from alcoholism is possible.
"This is a society that is indulgent on alcohol, but it is also a society in which once someone fails, then that person ... is excluded," said Tomomi Imanari of National Citizens' Association on Alcohol and Drug Problems, a non-profit group.
Prevention and intervention are the weak points, and even medical professionals often do not understand that merely fixing physical ailments caused by alcoholism will not stop them from drinking, experts say.
Many also seek support in self-help groups.
On a recent Saturday evening, 87 people gathered at a meeting of the All Nippon Abstinence Association's Tokyo branch, taking turns stating their names and sharing their past. Members are also encouraged to share the dangers of alcohol.
"If I can do things for others and not drink for myself, life would be richer," said civil servant Takeuchi, sober for 10 years. "I don't want to live like a slave to alcohol anymore."
