[Addiction across the lifespan]

Abstract

Alcohol and nicotine are with us during most of our lifetime. About 4,000 children with fetal alcohol syndrome and another 20,000 children with fetal alcohol effects are born per year in Germany. Alcohol contributes to accidents and suicides especially in young people. It is particularly toxic for the developing brain.Germany is among the countries with a high consumption of alcohol and nicotine. Consequently substance-related diseases are highly prevalent. In the group of people aged 65 and older we expect a doubling of alcohol problems within the next 10 years. This will also lead to a sharp increase in alcohol-related dementias. Overall, treatment is effective especially if one considers the chronic relapsing nature of the disorder. Unfortunately, less than 10% of patients really receive specialist care. This segment needs to be expanded especially by psychiatrists and psychotherapists. Different prevention strategies are being applied but there is a reluctance to use a ban or curtail advertising and to raise taxes for a reduction in overall consumption.