ABSTRACT

Public health centers in Tokyo were studied with regard to their offered levels of care and general attitudes toward alcoholic families. Questionnaires were sent to public health nurses in charge of mental health and alcohol counseling. It was found that the Public Health Centers' interest regarding the alcohol problem is quite high. Positive and active involvement of the public health nurses in the alcohol problem may be related to the fact that the method of handling patients has changed in emphasis from that of treating only the patient to that of involving the family members. It also became clear that the Public Health Centers were the only officially recognized places in the community where the families of alcoholic patients can receive consultation free of charge.