The consumption of tobacco and alcohol continues to decline in Germany, but remains at a high level, according to the German Central Office for Addiction Issues (DHS). Spending on tobacco products fell to 2022.27 billion euros in 1 – a decrease of 7.7 percent compared to the previous year, according to DHS's "Yearbook Addiction 2023".
When it comes to tobacco prevention and tobacco control, however, Germany continues to be one of the laggards in a global comparison, as experts emphasize in the report published on Wednesday. In terms of alcohol, too, Germany remains a "high-consumption country" by international standards, despite declines.
According to the study, about 7.9 million Germans consume alcohol "in a health-risky manner", which corresponds to an amount of one to two small glasses of beer per day. Alcohol abstinence could bring women a plus in lifespan of at least 16 years, for men it is at least 10 years, the report shows.
According to the addiction report, there has been an increase in sales in the gambling market. This is due in particular to legal changes that legalize sports betting nationwide. Casinos and vending machines, on the other hand, have lost importance.