Tokyo is a bustling metropolitan area with a population of nearly 40 million people, the world’s largest. It is well known as a pillar of the international community in many ways. It is a major finance center, home to many business headquarters, and a hub for higher education in Japan. Like many other large Asian cities, Tokyo takes pride in its beautiful historic buildings and landmarks. However, few can deny that Tokyo has also undergone a significant modern boom in the last few decades.

Drug education and prevention programs are in the early stages in Tokyo. As one website reports, Tokyo still has a narrow vision of its current drug abuse problem. Drug addiction is generally seen as a private personal problem, but not necessarily one that requires national attention. Drug abuse has become significantly worse since the introduction of heroin and cocaine in the 1980’s.

Drug Rehab Treatment in Tokyo

Japan’s Drug Abuse Prevention Center is doing a lot to get the word out. As their name suggests, the Center sees education and curtailing drug trafficking as the most effective ways to manage drug abuse and addiction. It aims to put out accurate information about the physical and mental effects of various addictive drugs so people avoid using them. Their campaign promotes a zero-tolerance approach translated as “No, Absolutely No!” publicity campaign. The Prevention Center promotes this as Japan’s part in an international effort to reduce drug abuse and addiction.

Tokyo Alcohol Treatment Programs

The Maryknoll Alcoholic Center was at the center of the drug rehab movement in Tokyo in the 1970’s. From modest beginnings, they have created a large network of drug treatment centers all over the Tokyo area. These include several rehab centers, some women’s halfway houses, and a few day treatment counseling centers. As it is for many rehab centers, lack of funding has caused a few of these facilities to close. This has not proven discouraging to those who are dedicated to the expansion of drug rehab services throughout Tokyo.

Alcoholics Anonymous was also introduced to Japan at about the same time as the Maryknoll Alcoholic Center was established. Though it was not certain at first if AA would catch on in Japan, it has grown steadily over the last thirty years. People have been meeting in churches across Japan for AA and Narcotics Anonymous meetings on a regular basis. This is all very promising news for people seeking drug rehab services in Tokyo.