tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5103914919249706024.post2639056834416583087..comments2023-05-18T03:08:41.920-07:00Comments on 1000 Things About Japan: Will Miss #526 - no drug debateUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5103914919249706024.post-43446696842525489952013-11-30T18:56:26.483-08:002013-11-30T18:56:26.483-08:00I have spent a great deal of time in Japan and stu...I have spent a great deal of time in Japan and studying Japanese, and I relate to many aspects of your blog. That's the only reason why I'd bother to reply. This is not an attack, but your opinions on this issue are rather grating and here's why:<br /><br />-Drug use is not binary, "high" or "not high", as you suggested. This is a false contrast to alcohol with no Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5103914919249706024.post-44955130610576954962013-10-15T03:50:34.159-07:002013-10-15T03:50:34.159-07:00Thanks for sharing your own life experience and fo...Thanks for sharing your own life experience and for clarifying your own views on these issues. I am heartened that you have learned much from both personal experience and then gone on to teach yourself other important things about 'the awfulness of alcoholism.' The impact it has on the individual and those around him/her can be both devastating and tragic. Richardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14492461563889268879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5103914919249706024.post-57872646658616980032013-10-14T10:48:18.105-07:002013-10-14T10:48:18.105-07:00Ironically, I just completed a graduate school cla...Ironically, I just completed a graduate school class in substance abuse which had a heavy emphasis on alcoholism *and* required that I attend two 12-step program meetings. Both of the ones I attended dealt with alcohol abusers, so I'm pretty aware of what you're speaking of. Also, my father is an alcoholic so I grew up right in the belly of that particular beast. Trust me when I say that Orchid64https://www.blogger.com/profile/07132543155589881288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5103914919249706024.post-17211468241788178852013-10-14T04:53:22.201-07:002013-10-14T04:53:22.201-07:00I am pleased if my comment stimulated you to think...I am pleased if my comment stimulated you to think more about alcoholism and/or drug abuse. You made some points which I want to respond to/elaborate on.<br /><br />I agree that alcoholism is not considered to be a disease in Japan. It may surprise you to know that this is still true in large segments of society here in the USA. This is in spite of many years now of public service announcements,Richardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14492461563889268879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5103914919249706024.post-35201457288241442442013-10-12T11:37:26.982-07:002013-10-12T11:37:26.982-07:00The main difference in Japan is that alcoholism is...The main difference in Japan is that alcoholism isn't even considered a disease. From a cultural viewpoint, it essentially does not exist as a pathological condition because it is an outlet for the emotions and thoughts that must be repressed as part of the culture's overall message. <br /><br />I see alcohol consumption in Japan as destructive, but actually more "necessary" Orchid64https://www.blogger.com/profile/07132543155589881288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5103914919249706024.post-29149939893776090642013-10-11T04:58:12.323-07:002013-10-11T04:58:12.323-07:00With 30+ years of professional experience I can at...With 30+ years of professional experience I can attest to the validity of your arguments about the damage drug abuse causes....physical, social, psychological, and interpersonal. <br /><br />I am glad you added the footnote about alcohol intake/abuse in Japan. It is quite significant, although significantly tolerated by the society. While I agree that there is a continuum of use/abuse of this Richardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14492461563889268879noreply@blogger.com