Osaka Prefecture formulates basic concept for "Addiction Control Center" in preparation for opening IR

On the 31st, Osaka Prefecture, which is preparing to open Japan's first integrated resort (IR) including a casino, compiled a basic concept proposal for the Osaka Addiction Control Center (tentative name), which is scheduled to open in 2029. The company aims to become a ``top runner in addiction control'' by promoting comprehensive efforts, including a wide range of support from prevention to recovery.

The prefectural government presented the proposal at a stakeholder meeting held in Osaka on the same day. The meeting was attended by people suffering from addiction, academic experts, and staff from support organizations. The proposal called for the center to be established in a location with convenient transportation and staffed by specialists such as doctors and public health nurses. The installation location, area, and number of personnel will be considered in the future.

The center has four main functions: 1) one-stop support from consultation to recovery, and a coordination function that coordinates cooperation with local organizations, 2) dissemination of information and awareness to prevent addiction and eliminate stigma, 3) research and analysis of support status, and 4) training of human resources to provide support.

Among these, the system is characterized by its seamless support, including consultation support that listens to the current situation and concerns of patients, their families, and local supporters, medical support that allows them to receive appropriate advice from doctors, and recovery support that connects patients with self-help groups.

At a meeting, a committee member said, ``One strike...