Many expatriates who face problems adjusting to the cultural differences of Japan tend to abuse alcohol and other drugs to deal with the stress of the transition, according to a Polish psychologist and therapist who counsels foreign residents in Japan.
"Many people are not prepared to live in Japan and are surprised that their experience is different from what they had expected," said Dariusz Skowronski, who until recently was providing psychotherapy and counseling at Tokyo English Life Line. TELL, a nonprofit mental health organization, offers free mental health consultations in Tokyo and Yokohama via phone, mainly in English and Japanese.
The stresses related to adapting to a foreign environment include unfamiliarity with new places and people, and concerns about whether one will be accepted by the host country.