In the realm of drug policies, the dichotomy between the recent liberalization of drugs in America and Europe and the strict, unforgiving stance in Japan unveils a stark contrast of ethical views.
While the West grapples with rising homelessness primarily fuelled by drug addiction, Japan’s stringent approach has yielded distinct outcomes, so much so that videos of Japanese subways go viral on social media for the simple reason that no drug addict ever disrupts a scene of quietness and basic civil coexistence.
The East Asian culture, particularly in Japan, stands as a testament to zero tolerance towards drug offenses, reflecting a soci-etal commitment to maintaining order and safety.
But in the Western hemisph-ere, drug-related issues, especially homelessness, are often attributed to substance abuse, particularly illicit drugs. The prime culprit is the abuse of substances like opioids, methamphetamine, and other addictive narcotics.
The resultant consequences can be witnessed in the disconcerting scenes near train stations in major capitals in Europe, where individuals, under the influence of drugs and alcohol, resort to criminal activities such as robbery or physical harassment.
Moreover, the sight of home-less individuals engaged in ghastly public acts like urination is a common sight.
“Individuals find themselves entangled in a complex web of struggles where their mental health issues exacerbate their addictive behaviours”
In my interactions with these individuals, it became evident that mental health struggles played a prime role in pushing them toward homelessness. For many, mental illness manifested itself through various addiction problems, with gambling and alcohol abuse standing out.