65,000 Upper Austrians are addicted to the legal substance. This has serious consequences for public welfare and traffic. A study by “Krone” shows that men are three times more likely to become addicted, and 50 to 59 year olds are particularly affected. An addiction expert warns against going cold turkey.
Cannabis – the green herb is currently on everyone’s lips due to its legalization by the German Federal Council. There is talk of fatal consequences for health, society and road safety. Usually ignored is a drug that already causes much suffering, countless accidents and hundreds of people dying every year from acute poisoning or all kinds of long-term injuries: alcohol.
Men are affected more often
About 65,000 Upper Austrians are alcoholics; approximately five percent of the country’s population requires this drug for their daily lives. Three times as many men as women are affected: 7.5 percent of all men are addicted, while this is only 2.5 percent of women. One in ten Austrians over the age of 15 will develop alcoholism during their lifetime. Alcohol addiction is most common in the 50-59 age group, while alcohol poisoning is most common in 16 and 17 year olds (see chart below).
In Upper Austria alone, 4,731 alcoholic drivers were literally taken off the road last year. In 2022, 484 accidents were caused by the influence of alcohol. According to accident statistics from the state of Upper Austria, 654 people were injured and two were even killed.
Terrible damage
“Long-term heavy alcohol use usually has serious consequences: massive disorders in the food tract, cancer from the mouth to the intestines, Korsakov’s dementia and of course serious liver damage,” reports Thomas Labacher, head of addiction care at pro mente Upper Austria. . “Every sip of alcohol is too much for pregnant women or their unborn children!”
“Cold withdrawal is life-threatening”
There are counseling centers for alcoholics in each of the 18 counties and statutory cities in our state. “You should come here if you notice that alcohol consumption is getting out of hand,” Labacher advises. “You should listen to your body and never try to drink away your problems!”
According to the expert, severe cases without medical supervision can avoid withdrawal therapy because: “Cold withdrawal from alcohol is extremely life-threatening!”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
