Professionals issue alerts - Multitudes of Germans endanger loved ones, offspring, and coworkers due to excessive drinking habits.
A child worried about their drunk parent or a coworker covering for an alcoholic colleague: The damage caused by "the most popular drug" impacts more than just the 9 million individuals with problematic alcohol consumption, but also countless others in various aspects of life. This message was emphasized by the German Center for Addiction Issues (DHS) in Hamm prior to the commencement of a promotional week. Along with the Federal Medical Association (BÄK), the Federal Chamber of Psychotherapists, the Society for Psychiatry (DGPPN), and DGE-Drogenabhängigkeit, the DHS demanded greater price hikes for alcoholic drinks, an end to alcohol advertising, and a decrease in their availability.
In households with alcohol problems, the DHS estimated that approximately 8 million relatives are affected by the behavior of an alcohol-consuming family member, primarily due to problematic alcohol consumption. These individuals witness unpredictable mood swings, feel helpless and alone, yet also responsible for maintaining an image while missing out on opportunities. The DHS also noted a disproportionate number of violent attacks in these families. Furthermore, more than 2.6 million children and teenagers under the age of 18 possess parents grappling with alcohol abuse or addiction.
According to DHS managing director Christina Rummel, Germany has a history of high alcohol consumption. While overall consumption has declined over the years, she emphasized the significance of enhanced sensitivity towards alcohol and its dangers. "Our country is very alcohol-friendly." The DHS arranges the action week - this year's theme is "Who does your drink hurt?" - and is supported by the Federal Drug Commissioner Burkhard Blienert. Numerous organizations, state health ministries, and addiction assistance networks collaborate on the events.
Concrete examples of events include a Düsseldorf training for managers covering for their colleagues, an information and self-test service at the University of Bielefeld, a Bottrop city library with a themed book display, and prevention days at schools and businesses across the country.
Zeroing in on the job realm, the DHS mentioned that alcohol consumption hinders cognitive functioning, resulting in mistakes, accidents, and high absence rates. "Employee satisfaction decreases when they are confronted with absences and mistakes." The DHS provided guidelines and materials for these discussions. "Interest in companies and businesses is great." There is a noticeable shift in perspectives.
Additionally, hundreds of thousands of traffic accidents with physical injuries under the influence of alcohol impact countless others. Alcohol consumption also fuels violence and crime.
For the 2.65 million minors with alcohol-abusing parents, their upbringing is often a precarious one, with no consistency and increased likelihood of developing an alcohol issue in the future. Furthermore, approximately 10,000 babies are estimated to be born with alcohol-related issues in Germany each year, suffering from non-curable fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), exhibiting noticeable growth issues, or displaying severe intellectual disabilities. Among FASD sufferers, 1.5 million people are affected.
The financial burden imposed on society by excessive alcohol consumption stands at 57 billion euros annually, with 40 billion euros in direct costs for hospitals, care, and rehabilitation, and 16 billion euros in indirect costs due to unemployment or production failures. The DHS, BÄK, and fellow signatories in their joint position paper stressed that "the consequences of alcohol consumption are a heavy burden on public health, social cohesion, and the economy." The alcohol-positive attitude in Germany needs to be challenged, asserted the Federal Drug Commissioner Blienert. "It's time to recognize that every sip is harmful."
To tackle this issue, both health policy and healthcare systems, along with relevant social actors, must take further action to decrease overall alcohol consumption and its effects on individuals, their support system, and society as a whole. Improving the density of sales outlets and implementing a comprehensive advertising ban for alcohol were recommended measures in the position paper.
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In the context of Germany's struggle with high alcohol consumption, addiction experts argue that the negative effects of excessive alcohol consumption extend beyond the 9 million individuals battling problematic alcohol consumption. They emphasize that family members, such as children and spouses, often bear the brunt of these individuals' alcohol-fueled mood swings and unpredictable behavior.
Furthermore, addiction experts stress that the widespread advertising of alcoholic drinks and their easy availability contribute to the normalization of alcohol consumption, which can lead to addiction and subsequent negative consequences for individuals, their loved ones, and society as a whole.
