Compulsion or Dependency on a Substance or Behavior - Heavy drinking can endanger the well-being of spouses, offspring, and coworkers.
A daughter who worries that her mom might lose control due to her drunkenness, or an employee who has to cover for a colleague with an alcohol issue: Alcohol isn't just harmful to the nearly nine million people struggling with problematic consumption, but also affects and endangers numerous others across various aspects of life, as per the German Center for Addiction Issues (DHS) in Hamm, right before the kickoff of a campaign week.
The DHS, the Federal Medical Chamber (BÄK), the Federal Chamber of Psychotherapists, the Society for Psychiatry (DGPPN), and DG-Addiction are calling for significant price hikes on alcoholic drinks. They also demand that there should be no more advertisements for these drinks and they should be less accessible.
About eight million people are affected by the drinking habits and behavior of a close one, most of them because of problematic alcohol consumption. Concerning those individuals, DHS Managing Director Christina Rummel conveyed to the German Press Agency that they experience significant mood swings from the affected person, feel helpless and lonely, yet also feel responsible for maintaining the facade and making up for missed appointments.
The DHS also revealed that there is a disproportionately high rate of violent attacks in families with alcohol issues. Additionally, more than 2.6 million children and adolescents under 18 face the risk of growing up with alcohol-abusing or alcohol-dependent parents.
Germany is well-known as a country with high alcohol consumption, even though consumption levels have decreased in the past decades. The DHS appealed for better sensitivity in dealing with alcohol and a better understanding of the potential dangers. This year's action week, coordinated by the DHS, is centered around the motto "Who does your drink hurt?".
More than 800 events will begin in different parts of Germany, from Aachen to Zwickau. The campaign is being overseen by Federal Drug Commissioner Burkhard Blienert. Several organizations, state health ministries, and addiction help networks are collaborating on this initiative.
For instance, the police and Caritas in North Rhine-Westphalia are hosting a traffic course under simulated alcohol influence. In Essen, there are workshops for management staff, while in Düsseldorf, there are training sessions for employees covering for their alcohol-abusing colleagues. The University of Bielefeld is offering information and self-tests, and the Bottrop city library has created a book table. Some of these events are geared towards kids and teens.
Who do you think is affected by the alcohol consumption of others?
In the thousands of accidents with personal injuries each year involving alcohol, many innocent bystanders suffer significant trauma, as experts note. Alcohol usage also triggers violence and crime.
The joint position paper from DHS, BÄK, and the other signatories points out that "the consequences of alcohol consumption are a massive burden on public health, social cohesion, and the economy." Germany has a high alcohol consumption rate, the environment is often favorable to drinking.
Children are shouldering a heavy load
For the estimated 2.65 million minors who experience alcohol abuse or alcohol dependency from their parents, their upbringing appears like this, as per Christina Rummel: "They have no support, there is no stability in their lives, and they are growing up in an environment filled with uncertainty." This leaves many of them taking care of their parents, forgoing a proper childhood, and being at increased risk for developing an alcohol problem in the future.
Tragically, around 10,000 children are born with alcohol-related issues annually in Germany. They may suffer from a non-curable fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), be underweight, or have severe mental disabilities. It's estimated that 1.5 million people are affected by FASD. Pregnant women's alcohol consumption is particularly dangerous: "There is no safe amount."
The economic cost is tremendous
Alcohol consumption costs the economy about 57 billion euros each year, which the society bears. This equates to approximately 40 billion euros in direct expenses for hospitals, care, or rehabilitation, as well as more than 16 billion euros in indirect costs due to unemployment or production failures. Consumption of alcohol is usually not seriously criticized, it's often seen as "normal" - however, as Burkhard Blienert (SPD), Federal Drug Commissioner, stated, "every sip is harmful and we must also acknowledge that."
"Health politics, healthcare system, and relevant social actors should take more measures to reduce overall alcohol consumption and its repercussions on consumers, the social environment, and society," they emphasized in the position paper. "Increasing the density of sales outlets, including introducing licensed businesses, is a reasonable approach." Additionally, they request the federal government to enforce a comprehensive ban on alcohol advertisements.
Read also:
- Alcohol addiction can negatively impact the health and well-being of children, as they may witness their mother's problematic drinking behavior.
- The German Center for Addiction Issues (DHS) in Hamm is part of a coalition calling for strict measures against alcohol, including higher prices and an advertising ban.
- In Germany, approximately eight million people are affected by problematic alcohol consumption of their close ones, often leading to significant mood swings and feelings of helplessness.
- According to DHS Managing Director Christina Rummel, children living with alcohol-abusing parents experience a lack of support and stability, leading to an increased risk of alcohol problems.
- A joint position paper from DHS, BÄK, and other organizations highlights the burdens of alcohol consumption on public health, social cohesion, and the economy.
- In their position paper, the signatories argue for stricter policies to reduce overall alcohol consumption and its harmful effects on individuals and society.
- Alongside DHS, organizations such as Caritas in North Rhine-Westphalia and the University of Bielefeld are hosting events to raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol consumption.
- In Germany, around 10,000 children are born with alcohol-related issues annually, often suffering from non-curable fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) or other health complications.
- The economic cost of alcohol consumption in Germany is estimated at 57 billion euros annually, with direct expenses of 40 billion euros and indirect costs of 16 billion euros.
- Burkhard Blienert, Federal Drug Commissioner, emphasizes that every sip of alcohol is harmful and calls for increased measures to reduce overall alcohol consumption and its harmful effects.
- The German Medical Association (DGPPN) joins the advocacy for reducing alcohol consumption and its negative impact on individuals, families, and society as a whole.
- With the "Who does your drink hurt?" campaign, various organizations across Germany attempt to shed light on the far-reaching consequences of excessive alcohol consumption.
- Zwickau, Aachen, and Essen are among the locations in Germany where events focused on alcohol awareness and prevention are taking place, as part of the nationwide action week led by DHS.
