For many of these unknown addicts, the path to drug abuse has been paved by traumatic experiences in their lives.

Those wishing to start anew face a considerable struggle. Without the help of others, the task is almost impossible.

At a drug abuse rehabilitation center in Toyama Prefecture, patients undergo treatment aimed at helping them kick the habit for good.

Toyama DARC, one of 55 citizen-run rehabilitation centers nationwide, was set up in May 2008 by 35-year-old Atsuya Hayashi.

A former addict himself, Hayashi said by providing a setting where they "do not have to display false bravado," drug addicts can "see themselves in one another, and continue to stay off drugs knowing they are not alone."

Standard treatment has yet to be established for drug addiction, which is considered a mental disorder.

Since the first DARC, short for Drug Addiction Rehabilitation Center, was established in 1985, the shelters have helped former abusers kick the habit through meetings, where they share their experiences with other former addicts, and through participation in self-help programs.

At the Toyama facility, located near the Sea of Japan coast, the experiences of program participants are varied. But they are bound by one common goal: To take each day at a time, vowing to "stay off of drugs, just for today."

"Pierrot," a 26-year-old man who had been inhaling paint thinner for about 11 years until eight months ago, keeps a string of juzu prayer beads wrapped around his left wrist as a reminder of what he has gone through.

Underneath the beads are scars which he said were the result of a suicide attempt. Whenever he feels overcome with anxiety or frustration, he tells himself that it is only today that the suffering will last.

"I'm not going to run away from my own life anymore," he said, adding "No matter how long it takes, I hope to find a new life so that I will be able to say some day that this was a transitional phase."

"Boowy," a former drug dealer, lost his parents and older brother six years ago in a suicide pact that coincided with his descent into stimulant addiction.

The tragedy drove him further into his addiction, and he soon found himself falling foul of the law. After serving three years and eight months in prison, Boowy came to DARC.

Confiding that he had sold drugs to junior high and senior high school students, he said he hoped to work someday at an institution for rehabilitating juvenile delinquents.

"I know there is no way I can atone for what I have done, but I would like to talk to children about my own experience and teach them about the dangers of drugs," he said.

Another participant who goes by the name "Mokomichi" said that through activities such as performing traditional Japanese taiko drumming at welfare facilities, he had gained new self-esteem. Playing the drums is part of the rehabilitation program at DARC.

"I enjoy having people come up and talk to me, and seeing them have a good time," Mokomichi said. "That kind of thing never happened to me before."