NCJ Number
146445
Journal
World Health Forum Volume: 13 Dated: (1992) Pages: 320-325
Date Published
1992
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article argues that interdisciplinary cooperation and broad social involvement are the keys to the control of drug abuse; the author recommends that the new United Nations convention take account of the successes Japan has achieved in this field since 1945.
Abstract
Drug abuse impinges on the health and well-being of individuals, families, and society. Combating the problem depends on collaboration among many disciplines and services. Interdisciplinary cooperation is possible only if the roles of each discipline and service are clearly defined; for example, in Japan, the duties of the public health authorities include the control of drugs, the treatment of addicts, and, in cooperation with the National Police Agency, the supervision of the Drug Abuse Prevention Centre. Group structure is the pillar of Japanese society. Each group is headed by a leader who has been trained for this function since infancy. Since Japan gives priority to group interests over individual interests, interdisciplinary cooperation is understood in Japan. Teams drawn from a range of disciplines and services work on the same basis as families, clubs, and other stable groups. A chart lists the participants and activities of a campaign against drug abuse in the Kiryu area in 1988-89.