Annual Report on Addiction: Nearly 150,000 Germans Die Yearly Due to Smoking and Drinking
Nearly 150,000 Germans self-destruct through excessive smoking and alcohol consumption.
Let's face it, alcohol and nicotine still wreak havoc in Germany. Over 145,000 people die every year from the repercussions, resulting in astronomical healthcare costs, per the "Annual Report on Addiction 2025." However, there's one silver lining - quick change could be on the horizon.
Research shows that roughly seven million Germans are estimated to be addicted, with thousands dying each year from alcohol and tobacco consumption. The latest data indicates 99,000 deaths every year from smoking and around 47,500 deaths from alcohol consumption. This grim reality is shared by Christina Rummel, managing director of the German Main Office for Addiction Issues (DHS), upon the publication of the "DHS Annual Report on Addiction 2025."
As Jakob Manthey, an addiction researcher, puts it, "Germany has an alcohol problem." It's estimated that more than one in twenty Germans consume alcohol in risky to addictive amounts, with approximately nine percent of the 18-64 age group battling alcohol misuse or dependence. Sadly, those aged 65 and above, as well as the younger ones under 18, are not included in this data.
Menthey speaks out, "Alcohol is a cell poison, and the question is: How do we deal with this toxic substance?" He emphasizes that any reduction in alcohol consumption can help, whether someone chooses to drink two or three beers. Notably, alcohol is almost unrestrictedly advertised in Germany with a few exceptions.
Alcohol Leads to Cancer and Heart Issues
An expert from Hamburg surmises that approximately 45,000 deaths per year are due to alcohol consumption in recent years. Chronic drinking raises the risks for a slew of diseases including certain types of cancer, heart problems, and liver cirrhosis. To add fuel to the fire, alcohol-related accidents and violent crimes are also prevalent.
The prices of alcoholic beverages in Germany have gone up significantly less than that of food over the past 20 years, says Manthey. Ironically, while orange juice skyrockets in price, a bottle of vodka remains stable in cost. Alcohol is significantly cheaper in Germany than any other European country.
The DHS deplores the consequences: Along with the high number of illnesses and deaths, alcohol incurs economic follow-up costs of around €57 billion annually. There's also a significant amount of suffering for the social environment of those afflicted. Effective measures exist, but they're not being addressed, criticizes Rummel. Along with reinforced prevention and investments in addiction help, alcoholic beverages should become more expensive through consumption tax.
Consumption Tax on Alcohol Insufficient in Germany
Manthey critiques Germany's alcohol consumption taxes, stating that the country is "as bad as hardly any other country worldwide" when it comes to rates. He points out that this "very effective lever" has gone untouched for decades. The tax on beer is too low, and there's no consumption tax on wine at all, leaving billions in potential taxes uncollected.
A model by an addiction researcher suggests that, if alcoholic beverages were, on average, five percent more expensive in sales, the per capita consumption would drop by 2.2 percent, and 850 alcohol-related deaths could be avoided annually. Additionally, the state would gather an extra €1.4 billion in taxes.
Smoking Backslide among the Youth
Close to a third of the adult population smoked last year according to the latest report. Smoking rates among young people under 18 are significantly lower, and also lower among young adults. Rummel, the CEO of DHS, expresses concern, saying, "The numbers are overall too high, and it's not discussed enough." The economic consequences of tobacco consumption are estimated at €97 billion per year.
Traditional cigarettes are becoming "old school" among young people, observes Rummel. However, her concern lies with related nicotine products like e-cigarettes and tobacco heaters. These products were used by a combined 3.2 percent of people aged 14 and above in 2024.
Future Coalition Must Improve
"Addiction and drug issues must be at the top of the health policy priority list," insists DHS. The new federal government is urged to tackle the enormous challenges with vigor. The coalition agreement between Union and SPD is "certainly in need of improvement considering the gravity of the problem," as Rummel pushes for action.
Manthey sheds light on the topic of alcohol with optimism for the younger generation: "I am hopeful when I look at the current young generation, which drinks significantly less than the older ones. A societal change could take place."
- The "Annual Report on Addiction 2025" reveals that nearly 150,000 Germans die annually from smoking and drinking, leading to massive healthcare costs.
- Research indicates that approximately seven million Germans are estimated to be addicted, with thousands dying each year from alcohol and tobacco consumption.
- Germany has an alcohol problem, as more than one in twenty Germans consume alcohol in risky to addictive amounts, and alcohol-related deaths total around 99,000 from smoking and 47,500 from alcohol consumption annually.
- Chronic alcohol consumption raises the risks for various diseases like certain types of cancer, heart problems, and liver cirrhosis, and contributes to alcohol-related accidents and violent crimes.
- The prices of alcoholic beverages in Germany have risen less than food over the past 20 years, while alcohol is significantly cheaper than in other European countries.
- The DHS criticizes Germany's alcohol consumption taxes, stating that the country ranks poorly globally in tax rates, and the untapped potential for higher taxes on alcohol could bring in an additional €1.4 billion annually.
- The new federal government is urged to prioritize addiction and drug issues in health policy, as the current coalition agreement on the subject is in need of improvement according to Christina Rummel from the DHS.