Alcohol and Tobacco Remain Major Health Concerns

Recent studies reveal that alcohol and tobacco continue to pose significant challenges to public health in Germany. According to the latest data from the annual report on addiction, over 30% of the adult population reported smoking, while more than one in five adults consumed alcohol excessively.

Approximately eight million individuals in Germany are reportedly struggling with addiction, leading to thousands of deaths annually due to the consequences of alcohol consumption and smoking. The report, published by the German Main Association for Addiction Questions (DHS), estimates about 99,000 deaths each year attributable to smoking and roughly 47,500 fatalities related to alcohol use.

Experts highlight the severity of the alcohol issue in Germany, with researchers noting that it's estimated that over 20% of the population engages in risky or addictive drinking behaviors. Among adults aged 18 to 64, around 9% experience alcohol misuse or dependence. Notably, these figures do not account for the elderly population aged 65 and older or individuals under 18.

One research contributor emphasized the toxic nature of alcohol, calling for an examination of how society manages this harmful substance. While complete abstinence is ideal, any reduction in consumption can be beneficial. A noticeable difference exists between drinking three beers versus two.

Data indicates a consistent annual toll of around 45,000 deaths connected to alcohol consumption, with chronic drinking increasing the risks for various health issues, including specific cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and liver cirrhosis. The dangers also extend to accidents caused by impaired driving and violence under the influence.

In Germany, the prices of alcoholic beverages have seen a much slower increase over the past two decades compared to food prices, raising concerns among health professionals. For instance, the cost of orange juice is rising, while the price of vodka remains stable. This makes alcohol more accessible than in any other European country. Furthermore, the lack of stringent advertising regulations for alcoholic products is seen as a significant issue.

The DHS reports that the economic burden of alcohol-related health issues amounts to approximately EUR57 billion annually, in addition to the emotional and social toll on families and communities. Effective preventative measures and investments in addiction treatment are necessary, the DHS argues, suggesting that increasing consumption taxes on alcoholic drinks could also be a viable solution.

Experts criticize Germany's low alcohol consumption tax rates, which are among the lowest in the world. They point out that the state has not adjusted these rates for decades, resulting in excessively low beer prices and no consumption tax on wine. This situation leads to a significant loss of potential tax revenue for the government.

Research indicates that if the average price of alcoholic beverages were to increase by 5%, per capita consumption could decrease by approximately 2.2%, potentially preventing around 850 alcohol-related deaths each year. This increase in prices could also generate an additional EUR1.4 billion in tax revenue.

Despite these challenges, there is cautious optimism regarding younger generations. Current trends suggest that younger individuals are drinking less than older demographics, which may indicate a potential shift in societal attitudes towards alcohol consumption.