Federal Medical Association and Health Organizations are calling for greater efforts in alcohol prevention

Federal Medical Association and Health Organizations are calling for greater efforts in alcohol prevention

At the start of the Action Week Alcohol 2024, the Federal Medical Association (BÄK), together with other health organizations and the Federal Association of Addiction, calls for greater efforts in alcohol prevention from the Federal Government. Germany is still a country with high consumption of alcohol, which leads to immense health and social damage. The political willingness to reduce alcohol consumption is available, said Erik Bodendieck, co-chair of the "Addiction and Drugs" committee of the Federal Medical Association.

The BÄK, together with other organizations, calls for preventive measures that help reduce the risky alcohol consumption. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Germany has a great need to catch up in this area in international comparison. The required measures include a comprehensive ban on advertising for alcohol, higher taxation and pricing of alcohol products as well as the restriction of the availability of alcoholic beverages.

Erik Bodendieck emphasizes that all of these measures are highly effective and easy to implement. Politics are responsible for finally acting and better protecting people from the negative consequences of alcohol consumption. So far, however, she has primarily protected the interests of the alcohol industry. The 128th German Medical Day in Mainz has recently become clear to comprehensive advertising bans for alcohol products.

The BÄK and the organizations mentioned have published a joint position paper entitled "Structural Prevention of the Consequences of Alcohol Consum" to underpin their demands.

The following table shows information about the required measures:

| Measures | Goal |
| ——————————— | --—————————————————————————— | Comprehensive advertising ban for alcohol | Reduction of advertising and the influence of alcohol on society |
| Higher taxation and pricing of alcohol products | Maintaining alcoholic beverages to restrict consumption |
| Restriction of the availability of alcoholic beverages | Limitation of access to alcohol to reduce consumption |

It is important to note that Germany has a long history of alcohol consumption. Already in the 19th century, beer was an integral part of German culture and was of great social importance. Alcohol still plays a major role in German culture today, especially at festivals and celebrations. However, over time, the knowledge about the negative effects of excessive alcohol consumption has developed on health and society.

The demands of the BÄK and the other health organizations could have an impact in Berlin. The city is known for its colorful nightlife and the large selection of bars and clubs. A restriction of the availability of alcoholic beverages could lead to changes in Berlin's nightlife. In addition, a comprehensive ban on advertising for alcohol could have an impact on the marketing strategies of companies in the city.

It remains to be seen whether the federal government will meet the demands of health organizations and which specific measures are implemented. The alcohol 2024 Action Week serves as a prelude and sensitization to the topic of alcohol prevention in Germany. It is to be hoped that the discussion about the risks of excessive alcohol consumption will become more important and lead to positive changes.

Source: Federal Medical Association/OTS