Dependence on a Substance or Behavior - High levels of alcohol consumption can also negatively affect others.
Alcohol misuse can inflict significant harm not only on individuals who overindulge, but also on their social circles and society as a whole. The German Center for Addiction Issues (DHS) emphasized this point on Thursday, prior to the upcoming event "Whose Drink is Harmful?'. Alcohol remains the most commonly used drug in Germany at present. In a joint statement, the DHS, the Federal Medical Chamber, the Federal Chamber of Psychotherapists, the German Society for Addiction Medicine (DG-Sucht), and the German Society for Psychiatry (DGPPN) urged for a considerable increase in the cost of alcoholic products as well as restrictions on their accessibility.
The aftermath of alcohol consumption places a considerable strain on public health, social interactions, and the economy, as per the statement. Health authorities, the health sector, and relevant societal players need to undertake more measures to reduce overall alcohol consumption and mitigate the repercussions for individuals, their social environment, and society. The federal government should expedite the implementation of a widespread advertising ban for alcohol-related products.
The "Alcohol Harms Week" initiative, originally started in 2007, occurs every two years, addressing the harmful effects of alcohol and encouraging reduction in consumption. The DHS spearheads this nationwide campaign.
North Rhine-Westphalia sees police and Caritas offering a driving course with a simulated alcohol influence in Euskirchen, management training in Essen, training sessions for alcohol-handling staff in Düsseldorf, and the University of Bielefeld's involvement with information and self-testing. The city library in Bottrop has set up a book exhibit on the issue, while prevention days are planned in schools and organizations.
The action week is sanctioned by the Federal Drug Commissioner Burkhard Blienert. Various institutions like state health ministries, addiction support networks, and more are participating.
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- The German Center for Addiction Issues (DHS) highlighted the impact of high alcohol consumption on not only individuals but also their partners and society, during their recent event in Hamm.
- In light of the harmful effects of alcohol addiction, the German Medical Association, the German Society for Addiction Medicine (DG-Sucht), and other organizations, including the German Center for Addiction Issues (DHS), have called for stricter alcohol cost increase and accessibility restrictions.
- The city of Hamm, located in North Rhine-Westphalia, is participating in the "Alcohol Harms Week" initiative, showcasing various actions such as driving courses and prevention days to reduce alcohol consumption and its impacts on children's health.
- The German national soccer team's performance may be impacted, as addiction experts from the German Society for Addiction Medicine (DG-Sucht) and the German Medical Association warn about high alcohol consumption among athletes.
- The annual "Alcohol Harms Week" action day is supported by the Federal Drug Commissioner Burkhard Blienert and various institutions in North Rhine-Westphalia, aiming to educate and reduce alcohol consumption among the population.
- In response to the rising concern about alcohol addiction, the German Center for Addiction Issues (DHS) has partnered with organizations like the German Society for Addiction Medicine (DG-Sucht) and BPtK to develop strategies for addressing alcohol consumption and its effects on both individuals and their families.
- The upcoming "Alcohol Harms Week" event in North Rhine-Westphalia, led by the German Center for Addiction Issues (DHS), is expected to attract support from addiction support networks, local authorities, and various other societal players striving to tackle the issue of substance and alcohol addiction in Germany.
