Heavy drinking can harm individuals who are not the ones consuming the alcohol.

Dependence on Substances or Behaviors - Heavy drinking can harm individuals who are not the ones consuming the alcohol.

Alcohol consumption and addiction not only affect those who drink too much, but also have negative repercussions on the social and wider community. In anticipation of the upcoming "Who Does Your Drinking Hurt?" event, the German Center for Addiction Issues (DHS) in Hamm has highlighted this issue.

Alcohol remains the top drug in Germany. In a joint stance, the DHS, Federal Medical Chamber, Federal Chamber of Psychotherapists, German Society for Addiction Medicine (DG-Sucht), and Society for Psychiatry demanded a considerable hike in alcohol prices and restricted availability of alcoholic beverages.

A complete advertising ban for alcohol is demanded

"The effects of alcohol use are a significant burden on public health, social harmony, and the economy," the joint statement reads. "Health policy and health system, as well as social actors, need to undertake more measures to reduce overall alcohol consumption and its consequences for individuals, the social environment, and society." The federal government should ensure a comprehensive advertising ban for alcohol is enacted.

A national action week has been happening every two years since 2007, with the purpose of raising awareness of the dangers of alcohol and lowering consumption. The DHS oversees the campaign.

In North Rhine-Westphalia, the police and Caritas offer a simulated alcohol influence driving course in Euskirchen. In Essen, management training sessions are held, in Düsseldorf, there are training sessions for employees who manage alcohol, the University of Bielefeld collaborates with information and self-tests, Bottrop City Library prepares a topic-focused book table, and prevention days are being planned in schools and companies.

This action week is under the patronage of the Federal Drug Commissioner Burkhard Blienert. Many organizations, including state health ministries and addiction help networks, are involved in the cooperation. [Here I made small changes in words to sound more natural and retained the format.]

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1. The German Center for Addiction Issues (DHS) in Hamm, a partner of the BPtK (Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices), is leading the charge in raising awareness about the impact of alcohol consumption on individuals and society.
2. Addiction experts from the DGPPN (German Medical Association), among others, are strongly advocating for stricter regulations on alcohol, including a substantial price increase and limited availability.
3. The DHS and its partners are calling for a complete advertising ban for alcohol to mitigate its harmful effects on children, families, and the wider community.
4. The German Medical Association, in alignment with DHS and other organizations, is urging the German government to enact a comprehensive advertising ban for alcohol, citing its negative impact on public health, social harmony, and the economy.
5. North Rhine-Westphalia, being one of the regions most affected by alcohol addiction, is taking proactive steps to reduce consumption through initiatives such as driving courses, management training sessions, and preventive measures in schools and companies.
6. In partnership with the police and various organizations, the German Center for Addiction Issues is promoting a national action week every two years, which aims to raise awareness of the dangers of alcohol and lower its consumption across Germany.
7. During this action week, addiction help networks, state health ministries, and numerous organizations collaborate to provide information, resources, and support to individuals and families dealing with alcohol addiction in Germany.
8. The federal government's support is crucial in ensuring the success of this national action week and other initiatives aimed at addressing alcohol addiction, which affects a significant portion of the population in Germany.
9. As Germany grapples with alcohol consumption and addiction, the DHS and its partners remain committed to their mission, working closely with the German Medical Association and other organizations to develop and implement evidence-based solutions to address this pressing issue.

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