The number of alcoholics in Germany is increasing. The addiction not only affects those affected, but also their relatives. Psychiatrist Andreas Jähne knows what can help both sides.
An after-work beer with colleagues, a glass of wine in the bathtub to unwind, a strong nightcap after dinner – to help digestion, of course. All just an exception, a small moment of pleasure in the stress of everyday life. Until the small individual events become a habit, until you only work so that you can drink beer in the evening, the bath becomes undrinkable without wine and after every meal you feel like having a shot.
Alcohol consumption is part of our culture, seen as a social lubricant and a luxury item for special occasions. But in Germany it is also becoming a problem for more and more people: almost eight million people in Germany consume alcohol in a way that is hazardous to their health, according to current data from the Federal Ministry of Health, and a further nine million people have at least problematic alcohol consumption. The trend is increasing year after year.
The path to alcoholism is often fluid, and many sufferers live with the addiction for years without realizing it. Often, the changes in behavior and health – including sleep disorders, mood swings and social withdrawal – are first noticed by relatives. For friends, partners, children or parents of addicts, this begins a balancing act between love, helplessness and self-care. It is not uncommon for relatives to slip into co-dependency and unintentionally support the addicted person in their addictive behavior through their behavior, while losing sight of their own well-being.
Relatives of alcoholics “always affected too”
An addiction often harms not only the person affected, but also those around them. “I often experience great distress and helplessness among partners of addicts,” says Andreas Jähne in an interview with starThe specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy is the medical director of the Oberberg Fachklinik Rhein-Jura and has been dealing with addiction disorders for years. He is certain: “Family members are always affected too.”
Source: Stern
I’m Caroline, a journalist and author for 24 Hours Worlds. I specialize in health-related news and stories, bringing real-world impact to readers across the globe. With my experience in journalism and writing in both print and online formats, I strive to provide reliable information that resonates with audiences from all walks of life.
