In our series, Prof. Weckbecker explains alarm signals for the onset of alcohol addiction and why it is important to be abstinent for four weeks.
“Dry January” has also found more and more fans in Germany in recent years. Originally, the idea of an alcohol-free start to the new year, i.e. a dry January, was started in Great Britain as a health initiative. And the idea of going four weeks without alcohol makes sense when you look at the dramatic figures: According to the Federal Ministry of Health, every tenth German between the ages of 18 and 64 is at risk because of his alcohol consumption. Every year 74,000 people die as a result of their consumption. And the economic damage caused by alcohol is around 57 billion euros a year.
In our video consultation, Prof. Klaus Weckbecker explains tips on why abstinence from alcohol for four weeks is a good self-test (regardless of when) and what alarm signals there are when alcohol consumption turns into addiction.
Prof. Weckbecker holds the chair for general medicine at the University of Witten/Herdecke and as such a proven expert for family medicine topics. Together with him we devote ourselves to the so-called common diseases and everyday medical issues.
In the video, Prof. Weckbecker explains:
- why everyone should try a period of abstinence once in a while.
- why addictive behavior cannot be determined by alcohol quantities
- how I can recognize for myself how addictive I am
- How I deal with family and friends who develop risky alcohol use
- why the problem should always be addressed
- why it is important to question how the addiction came about.
If you or your relatives are looking for help on this subject, bThe German Head Office for Addiction Issues offers on its homepage a list of contacts and important background information. The general practitioners are usually a good starting point. In any case, it is important to take this first step.
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