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How friends, colleagues or family respond to alcohol problems?
Millions of Germans have alcohol problems. Many of them are often unaware of their own high consumption. The topic is rather unpleasant for most people, but if you notice that friends, relatives or colleagues drink too much, you should definitely address this in good time.
Regular alcohol consumption endangers your health
Europe is the region with the highest alcohol consumption worldwide. According to estimates of the Federal Center for Health Education (BzgA), in Germany alone about 9.5 million people between the ages of 18 and 65 have alcohol problems, so they drink alcohol in amounts that are harmful to health. Around 1.3 million of them are considered alcohol dependent. Regular consumption of alcohol increases the risk of many diseases. Among other things, it can lead to liver disorders such as fatty liver, lipid metabolism disorders, osteoporosis, damage to the brain or heart muscle and cancers such as colon cancer, liver cancer or esophageal cancer or promote them. Even though the dangers of alcohol consumption are well known, many people are not aware of their own high consumption. In such cases, friends and family are in demand.
Adolescents should also talk to friends about possible alcohol problems. (Image: Jochen Mittenzwey / fotolia.com) Do not respond with allegations
Even if some conversations are unpleasant and may even jeopardize family peace or friendship, they should be run. Namely, when it is observed when a relative or friend drinks too much. Although the subject of alcohol is plenty of fuel, but "The sooner someone is addressed, the more he has to deal with his drinking behavior," said Christa Merfert-Diete of the German main office for addiction (DHS) to the news agency dpa. But when does someone drink too much? "You should trust your common sense and your own perception," says the expert. It could be noticed, for example, that those affected drink a lot at family gatherings and drive an alcoholic car. You should not react with reproaches or with sentences like: "You drink too much!" It is better to formulate so-called first messages. "For example, one can say: I'm worried about you. Or: I have the impression that you always drink alcohol when we are together. "
To quarrel with the conversation
However, it must be clear that the person who addresses it can not make it clear to the person concerned and should have an alcohol problem. "This should clarify this in conversation with professionals themselves." He must, however, be prepared for that the respondent react harshly and it can come to a fight. "It is part of the clinical picture of alcohol addiction to deny the disease," said Merfert-Diete. One should therefore offer concrete help and for example leave a note with the number or address of a counseling center. If the conversation goes well, it is also a good idea to offer personal help. But the expert proposes sentences such as: "I like to support you, if you want to check yourself if you have a problem." Those who do not want to go to the experts at a counseling center, can also first inform themselves. For example, there are tests on drinking behavior on the Internet. In addition, affected persons can use the app to keep a drinking diary. (Ad)