New Methods Considered to Tackle Smoking and Drinking in Germany

The German government coalition is considering new ways to tackle tobacco and alcohol consumption. Linda Heitmann, a drug researcher for the Greens, has called for restrictions.

Hatmann proposes limiting the supply of alcohol and tobacco. Politicians believe it is necessary to increase the taxes on these products. According to reports, if we consider mortality rates, the legal narcotics: alcohol and tobacco, are the most dangerous drugs to date.

In 2021, 1,826 people in Germany died from illegal drugs, but the country has around 70,000 deaths per year attributed to alcohol, resulting in around 127,000 deaths. Millions of people are affected by addiction to drugs.

Heitman emphasized that this has a huge impact on the social and community environment, as well as on the healthcare system and the national economy.

Just before the start of the new year, Germany released a study on smoking among its citizens. The study was initiated in 2016 and found that the proportion of smokers across all age groups peaked in 2022. Among young people, the proportion of smokers had soared to around 16%.

New Zealand is set to implement radical alcohol and tobacco control measures starting from January 1st, 2023. Anyone born after 2008 will be permanently banned from purchasing tobacco products. The minimum age for tobacco sales will increase every year, the number of vendors will be reduced by 90%, and nicotine levels in cigarettes will significantly decrease.

However, in Germany, even compared to other EU countries, tobacco is easily accessible. There are 380,000 cigarette vending machines installed nationwide.