For many of us, alcohol is as much a part of everyday life as our morning coffee. Yet its omnipresent presence robs us, sip by sip, of the health that we so painstakingly build up on the other side. “Alcohol relaxes. Alcohol is simply part of it. A glass of red wine now and then is even healthy.” All wrong. Whether it’s a shot or champagne – every glass is a little toxic cocktail for body and mind. It’s time to rethink our relationship with alcohol.
Let’s raise a glass!
When it comes to alcohol, Germany is one of the absolute high-consumption countries. According to Statista, Germans drink an average of 90 liters of beer, around 20 liters of wine and around three liters of sparkling wine and spirits per capita. In terms of the amount of pure alcohol per capita, Germany ranks fifth in the world with around 12.2 liters; the leader is Romania with around 17 liters. These figures certainly raise the question: Is our relationship with alcohol still healthy?
The normalization of drinking
Alcohol is so deeply rooted in our society that we often overlook its dangers. From advertising to gastronomy, consumption is glorified and sold as a sign of sociability and joie de vivre. This trivialization reinforces social acceptance and makes it difficult to perceive the risks. Studies show that harmful alcohol consumption is one of the five main risk factors for illness.
Alcohol as part of German culture
Whether it’s a summer beer garden, a festive champagne reception, a romantic dinner for two or even the Oktoberfest – alcohol is an integral part of German culture. Anyone who has ever tried to avoid alcohol on a special occasion knows this: “You don’t drink anything? Not even a little Prosecco? But you do drink to toast, don’t you? Not even for a toast? That’s uncomfortable!” Social norms and traditions clearly encourage consumption and make it difficult to abstain.
The majority of Germans drink alcohol at a low-risk level, but over 15 percent are found to be at least risky. Depending on the definition, as many as one in five people in Germany could have a problematic relationship with alcohol. The direct and indirect economic costs of harmful alcohol consumption amount to around 57 billion euros.
The current WHO recommendations on alcohol consumption
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently drastically changed its stance on alcohol. In a new campaign, it calls for a “redefinition of alcohol” in order to raise awareness of the health risks. The WHO emphasizes that there is no such thing as a safe amount for health. WHO studies show that alcohol is linked to over 200 diseases, including at least seven types of cancer. What is particularly alarming is that even low levels of alcohol consumption can increase the risk of breast cancer. It is a wake-up call that should not be ignored.
The significance of the new campaign: “Redefining alcohol”
With this campaign, the WHO aims to redefine the role of alcohol in our lives. It calls on us to rethink our habits and make healthier choices. The campaign is a call for reflection and an appeal to policy makers to introduce stricter regulations.
Health consequences of alcohol consumption
The health consequences of alcohol consumption are varied and serious. From physical illnesses to mental disorders – alcohol leaves traces that are often irreversible.
Diseases and risks: From cancer to addiction
Alcohol is a cytotoxin that spreads throughout the body and damages organs and nerve cells. It promotes the development of cancer, including bowel and breast cancer, and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Regular consumption also leads to a high risk of addiction. A report by the German Cancer Research Center shows that around four percent of all new cancer cases in Germany can be attributed to alcohol consumption.
Psychological and social effects
The psychological consequences of alcohol are just as serious. Regular consumption can lead to depression, anxiety disorders and social problems. Families affected by alcohol often suffer from a lower socio-economic status, which increases social exclusion. Alcohol dependence is also a chronic illness that is often accompanied by a loss of quality of life.
Creating a new awareness: The path to abstinence
It is time to create a new awareness of how to deal with alcohol. Prevention campaigns are essential to raise awareness of the risks of alcohol. They should be present at all levels of society and encourage people to critically question their alcohol consumption. A combination of education, legal regulation and social support is the key to successful change. However, we also know how little effect such campaigns have in the end. Otherwise there would be no smokers. After all, almost every pack of cigarettes says: Smoking is deadly. No reason to stop. The harmful behavior is too deeply ingrained in our own patterns.
Courage to change: your personal decision
The first step towards change starts with you. It takes courage to break old habits and break new ground. But the benefits are numerous: better physical and mental well-being, stronger relationships and an improved quality of life. Take the plunge and choose a life without alcohol.
Many people who have chosen to live a life without alcohol report improved health, better sleep and more energy. These positive experiences are inspiring and show that it is possible to break the chains of alcohol and lead a more fulfilling life. Incidentally, there are now more and more tasty alternatives to alcohol – from alcohol-free fine wines to fancy mocktail creations.
Social change: Is the time ripe?
Social change towards less alcohol consumption requires commitment at all levels. Bold role models and policies are needed to support change. The time is ripe for a new era in which alcohol is no longer seen as an indispensable part of our culture, but is recognized for what it is: a risk that we can no longer ignore.
Alcohol-associated diseases
If you want to read on. Here is a truly long list of alcohol-related diseases. Alcohol has far-reaching effects on almost all organ systems and can cause both acute and chronic damage. Cheers:
Liver diseases:
- Fatty liver (steatosis hepatis)
- Alcoholic hepatitis
- Liver cirrhosis
- Liver cancer
Cardiovascular diseases:
- Cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Stroke
Gastrointestinal diseases:
- Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
- Reflux disease
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) - Stomach and bowel cancer
Neurological and mental illnesses:
- Alcohol dependence and addictions
- Alcohol-induced dementia
- Wernicke’s encephalopathy
- Korsakov syndrome
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Polyneuropathy (damage to peripheral nerves)
- Epileptic seizures
Diseases of the nervous system:
- Brain shrinkage (brain atrophy)
- Motor and coordination disorders
- Sleep disorders
Disorders of the immune system:
- Weakened immune system, increased susceptibility to infections
- Chronic inflammatory reactions
Metabolic disorders:
- Diabetes mellitus type 2
- Gout
Diseases of the endocrine system:
- Disorders of the sex hormones (e.g. testosterone deficiency)
- Potency problems and
- Infertility
Types of cancer:
- Oral cavity cancer
- Throat cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colon cancer
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system:
- Osteoporosis
- Muscular atrophy (breakdown of the muscles)
- Arthropathy (joint diseases)
Diseases of the skin:
- Rosacea
- Psoriasis (psoriasis)
Sources
Disclaimer
This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor-patient relationship is established. Use of any information contained in this blog or materials linked to this blog is at the user’s own risk. The content of this blog is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Users should not ignore or delay medical advice for any medical conditions they may have and should seek the help of their healthcare professional for such conditions.
