Alcohol addiction More and more alcoholics

More and more Germans are alcoholics

01/10/2014

The number of alcoholics in Germany has increased dramatically in recent years. Almost 1.8 million Germans today are dependent on alcohol, according to the latest results „Epidemiological addiction surveys“, which was commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Health by the Institute for Therapy Research in Munich. Harald Terpe, spokesman for drug and addiction policy of the Greens parliamentary group, has taken in a separate press release, the latest numbers of addiction surveys and this as „Receipt for an idle addiction and drug policy in the last four years“ designated.

Between 2006 and 2012, the number of alcoholics increased from 1.3 million to 1.77 million, reports Terpe, citing the „Epidemiological Search Survey“. This is an increase of 36 percent. „The number of drug addicts even rose from 1.5 million to 2.3 million, or 53 percent“, Terpe continues. The Green Bundestag deputy complained that the data from the survey have been available since the autumn in the Federal Ministry of Health, have been published by this but not yet or commented.

7.4 million Germans drink too much alcohol
The study by the Institute for Therapy Research shows not only a significant increase in alcohol dependence in general, but also a particularly worrying development among young adults under the age of 25 years. In addition, 1.6 million adults would indeed drink a lot, but are not considered dependent on the official criteria, reports the news agency „dpa“ citing the numbers of the survey. In total, 7.4 million Germans would consume more alcohol than the recommended maximum daily amount.

Prevention should be improved
„Behind these numbers hide numerous family tragedies, because with the addicts also suffer their families and especially the children“, Harald Terpe explained. Here quick help is required, but addicts would often wait months for approval of their therapy. His party is calling for one, for example „Early intervention by the doctor in case of suspected addiction problems, faster approval of therapy applications, especially for outpatient services, and a systematic involvement of self-help, especially after completion of therapy.“ However, the prevention offer should not only be significantly improved for those who are dependent on alcohol but should also take into account drug addiction, tobacco addiction and addiction to illicit drugs. More ambulant offers for older addicts and a recognition of smoking cessation as a cash benefit are desirable measures here.

The green spokesman for drug and addiction policy has the new Federal Minister of Health Hermann Gröhe (CDU) in view of the alarming figures of the „Epidemiological addiction surveys“ asked to do so, „to devote more energy to its addiction prevention and therapy than its predecessor“ and criticizes in this context that so far the post of Drug Commissioner of the Federal Government has not been filled. (Fp)

Image: Jorma Bork