OR04-2 * DANSHU-DOJO: A QUALITATIVE EXAMINATION OF A JAPANESE THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY FOR ALCOHOLICS

Abstract

Introduction. This presentation is based on qualitative research conducted in one of Japan's oldest non-government residential treatment centres for recovering alcoholics. Danshu-dojo is a therapeutic community for men recovering from alcohol misuse in Wakayama prefecture. This presentation will discuss the treatment approach and key activities undertaken in Danshu-dojo, discussing this in relationship to the existing literature concerning therapeutic communities. Method. Ethnographic research in Danshu-dojo was conducted by both authors in 2013/14 and was combined with semi-structured interviews with residents of the centre. Result. Drawing on Buddhist approaches and philosophies, residents..