NOW THE WEST BRINGS DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE TO ASIA - John A Halford, John Curry & Pedro Melendez Jr - May 1982

John A Halford, John Curry & Pedro Melendez Jr

Alcohol has always been a traditional part of Asian society. Yet in most Asian countries alcoholism has not reached the epidemic proportions seen in the West. Why? Southeast Asians, and especially the Chinese, drink copiously, yet addiction to alcohol seems to be uncommon. There is a reason. Most drinking is done at mealtimes, and heavy drinking is associated with banquets, weddings and other celebrations. But alcohol does not play a large part in everyday life. The concept of the Western cocktail hour of having some friends over for a few drinks is not traditional Asian hospitality. So Asian people did not, in general, develop a dependence on alcohol, as a cure-all for loneliness, depression, stress and grief. - Information Supplied By: Herbert W Armstrong Library