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Alcoholic beverages have been used for centuries in the Far East (Stoil, 1987/88). Historically there have been few references to problematic alcohol use in Asian cultures (Stoil, 1987/88; Sue, 1987; Wang, 1968).
Indonesians and Malaysians' Moslem background prohibits drinking, as does Buddhism, which influences Chinese and Combodians. Confucianism and Taoism influence the Chinese and emphasize moderation. In Japan today, attitudes towards alcohol use have become more permissive (Bromley & Sip, 2001; Kitano, 1982; Kuramoto & Nakashima, 2000; Luben et al., 1988; Makimoto, 1998; ˇ°Old Country Values,'ˇ± 1986/87; Singer, 1972; Wang, 1968). Hinduism implores Asian Indians to avoid intoxication, although cannabis is used in religious practices (Sandhu & Malik, 2001). In Korea there is considerable permissiveness about alcohol use but drug laws are very strict (Kwon-Ahn, 2001).
Explanations for narcotics use in China include relief from political upheaval, illiteracy, poverty, and poor health care (Lai, 2001; Singer, 1972; 1974). Communist party rule rooted out much narcotics use. However, with the relaxation of Communist rule and the introduction of capitalism, narcotics use may be resurfacing across classes.
Alcohol and drug problems may be viewed as destiny or fate (Sandhu & Malik, 2001), supernaturally caused (Inouye, 1999), or biological or organic to relieve individuals and families of blame (Ishisaka & Takagi, 1995). There are also indications that alcohol and drug problems are seen as moral failings (Kitano, 1982; Lai, 2001; Loos, 1999; Matsuyoshi, 2001). |
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History