Hospital Admissions Linked to Alcohol Consumption Reach Decade Low in Germany
Recent data from the Federal Statistical Office indicate a notable decrease in the number of hospital admissions resulting from alcohol-related conditions in Germany. In 2024, approximately 283,500 individuals received inpatient treatment for diagnoses attributed solely to alcohol consumption, marking a significant decline of around 29 percent compared to a decade earlier, when the figure stood at 398,500.
This downward trend was particularly evident among adolescents. The number of hospitalizations for alcohol-related issues among individuals aged 10 to 19 dropped dramatically by nearly 59 percent over the past ten years, falling from 24,300 cases in 2014 to just 10,100 in 2024. The incidence of acute alcohol poisoning in this age group also declined sharply, with cases decreasing by more than 60 percent, from 22,400 to 8,800.
The reduction in hospital stays due to alcohol was observed across nearly all age brackets. Among adults aged 20 to 39, alcohol-related admissions reduced by 27.6 percent, while those aged 40 to 59 experienced a 35.2 percent drop. The decrease was less pronounced for individuals aged 60 to 79, at 1.4 percent. In contrast, hospitalizations in the 80+ age group increased by 22.4 percent, highlighting a demographic shift in alcohol-related health concerns.
Men continued to account for the majority of alcohol-related hospitalizations, comprising approximately 73 percent of all cases. Overall, the total number of inpatient admissions in Germany fell by 8.6 percent within the same ten-year period, reaching 17.9 million in 2024. The proportion of hospitalizations specifically attributable to alcohol consumption also declined, moving from 2 percent of all cases in 2014 to 1.6 percent in 2024.
Despite the reduction in hospital admissions, the number of deaths attributed exclusively to alcohol increased, reaching 14,400 in 2024. This represents a 2.1 percent rise compared to 2014. However, when adjusted for demographic changes, the age-standardized rate of alcohol-related deaths per 100,000 inhabitants actually decreased by 3.4 percent, indicating that the rise in absolute numbers may be linked to population aging rather than an increase in incidence.
Health experts highlight that the decrease in alcohol-related hospitalizations among young people may be attributed to successful prevention efforts and increased awareness of the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption. However, the rise in deaths, particularly among older adults, underscores the importance of continued public health measures and targeted interventions for at-risk populations.
The findings emphasize both progress and ongoing challenges in addressing the impact of alcohol on public health in Germany. While fewer individuals are requiring hospital treatment for alcohol-related conditions, the persistent mortality burden signals a need for sustained prevention strategies and healthcare resources, especially for older demographics.