For Tsutomu Nakamura, taking back control of his life from a gambling addiction meant first hitting rock bottom.
The 50-year-old preached the same mantra to gambling addicts at the recovery facility he founded, only to discover his own experiences had little to do with the gambling troubles others suffered, because the affliction is so often personal and influences people in different ways.
"We're now focused on providing various forms of support in accordance with individual needs after discovering those needs through interviews with visitors and their families," said Nakamura, who opened the Yokohama care facility called One Day Port in 2000. "For example, we offer residential and job-hunting support for some and teach others about financial management, as well as spending time in leisure activities outside gambling."