Alcohol dependence

Alcohol dependence is a recognized illness that occurs when a person can no longer control the consumption of alcohol in everyday life. Alcohol dependence usually develops over a longer period of time and is therefore often only recognized as a problem by those affected at a late stage. There is no precise medical definition of when exactly problematic alcohol consumption occurs. However, as soon as consumption causes problems in everyday life and is noticed by family or friends, it always makes sense to take action.

In order to find out whether an alcohol dependency is present, the amount drunk, drinking behavior and downstream effects of alcohol consumption must be critically examined.

For "risky alcohol consumption", which can cause physical and psychological damage, there are limit values from the German Center for Addiction Issues (DHS) for orientation.

A risky alcohol consumption is therefore deemed to exist if

• women drink more than 12 grams of pure alcohol per day. For comparison:
  0.33 liters of beer (4.8 percent alcohol) corresponds to 13 grams of pure alcohol.
• Men drink more than 24 grams of pure alcohol per day. For comparison: 0.5 liters of beer (4.8 percent alcohol) plus a 2 cl shot (33 percent alcohol) already equals 25.5 grams of pure alcohol.

The DHS generally advises: You should avoid alcohol completely for at least two to three days a week.

Exceeding the above limits is not yet a sign of alcohol dependence.

An alcohol dependence is only present if at least three of the following characteristics have repeatedly occurred together within the last 12 months:

• A strong craving or a perceived compulsion to consume alcohol
• Difficulty controlling alcohol consumption
• Physical withdrawal symptoms when abstaining from alcohol
• Proven tolerance: larger and larger amounts of alcohol are required to achieve the same effect.
• Increasing neglect of other interests in favor of drinking
• Continued alcohol consumption despite clear evidence of physical or psychological consequences.

1. Counseling and information

   An alcohol counseling center informs those affected and their relatives about the risks and consequences of alcohol abuse as well as possible treatment options.

2. Diagnosis and assessment

   It helps to identify alcohol dependence, understand the extent and severity of the addiction and refer people to specialist services if necessary.

3. Emotional Support

   The counseling center provides support and guidance for people struggling with alcohol problems.

4. Treatment Planning

   It assists in developing an individual treatment plan, including detoxification, withdrawal and rehabilitation, and helps to find appropriate treatment facilities.

5. Prevention

   The alcohol counseling center has a preventative effect by educating people about the risks of alcohol and offering strategies to avoid alcohol abuse.

6. Support for relatives

   It offers support and advice for family members and friends of people with alcohol addiction so that they can deal with the situation properly and support those affected.

7. Aftercare

   After therapy, the alcohol counseling center helps with reintegration into everyday life and the prevention of relapses. It serves as a long-term point of contact for those affected and their relatives.

8. Anonymity and confidentiality

   All information disclosed at the counseling center is treated confidentially and is subject to legal confidentiality.

You do not need to provide any documents or medical evidence to attend alcohol counseling. However, it makes sense to have examined your own situation in more detail beforehand and to be able to describe your own alcohol consumption and drinking patterns.

• During alcohol counseling, you will discuss with an expert how and with what consequences you are currently consuming alcohol.
• You will be asked questions about your current life circumstances.
• The next step is to find out how motivated you are to change your current situation and what goals you are pursuing with regard to your alcohol consumption.
• During the consultation, you will be shown what options are available to help you overcome your addiction, for example by arranging withdrawal treatment, therapy places or self-help groups.

Important: The people with whom you have contact in the context of alcohol addiction counseling are subject to legal confidentiality.

Psychosocial counseling such as drug counseling is usually free of charge.

The counselling centres are usually funded by the municipalities, cities and federal states as well as churches or non-profit organizations. If the counseling is followed by outpatient or inpatient therapy, there are usually also no costs involved.

Therapy due to drug addiction is a so-called medical rehabilitation service. Pension insurance companies normally pay for this. If this is not the case, the health insurance fund or social welfare provider can step in. The person advising you will help you apply for the rehabilitation benefit.

Whenever the consumption of alcohol has a negative impact on your life and your mental or physical health. In such a case, the experienced specialists at a counseling center will help you find a way out of addiction and the possible mental and health consequences.

In order to be able to answer questions as specifically as possible during the consultation, you should first get an overview of how much alcohol you drink and what habits are associated with alcohol consumption. To do this, you can create a notebook and enter the quantities consumed on each drinking occasion. This will give you a sense of the situations in which you tend to consume alcohol.

In Germany, there are addiction counseling centers in almost every town where you can get help if you are affected. There are also online services and free telephone counseling.

• Federal Addiction and drug hotline: 01806 - 31 30 31
  (24 hours a day, €0.20/call from a landline, mobile max. €0.60/call)
• Phone counseling (free of charge): 0800 - 111 0 111 or 0800 - 111 0 222

As a relative of an alcohol-dependent person, you can contact the same counseling centers as the addict themselves. There you will receive support in dealing with the person concerned and their situation. The services are anonymous and usually free of charge.

Only very difficult in the initial phase. Alcohol addiction is often a gradual process. The addiction usually only comes to light late on due to clearly recognizable negative physical, psychological and social consequences. Concerned relatives who want to find out about specific signs of alcohol addiction can find detailed information here on this page as well as in the special section for relatives.

In the counseling process, the goals are agreed individually with the person concerned, depending on the severity of the illness. These can range from controlled consumption to abstinence. Abstinence means giving up alcohol completely. If this is not possible, the first step is to at least limit the amount of alcohol consumed. The basic aim of the help is to enable the addict to lead a healthy and happy life.

Alcohol counseling primarily has an advisory function: your contact person will show you which measures are suitable for you, make recommendations for offers of help and, if necessary, put you in touch with a self-help group. You can find out what specific options the advice center offers by phone or during your initial consultation.

The addiction counseling staff cannot and will not force you to do anything, as this is counseling. The aim of this counseling is to find a way to help you together.