| Summary: | In the current climate of growing concern about the public health consequences of alcohol consumption, the publication of Alcohol Consumption and Alcohol-Related Problems in Germany is particularly timely. The book provides up-to-date information on consumption patterns and the extent of negative effects associated with alcohol consumption in the German population. Estimates for the prevalence of abstinence, and of low-risk, hazardous, harmful, and high-risk consumption, are derived from epidemiological studies. Hazardous and harmful consumption is clearly associated with a number of psychological, social and health problems, and also has a significant economic impact on society as a whole. Based on information from routine statistics and surveys, the negative consequences associated with alcohol consumption such as dependence, suicide, violence, or traffic accidents are assessed, and methodological problems (such as standardizing alcohol contents) are discussed.<p>In its final section the book contains suggestions about how to establish reasonable limits on consumption and how to communicate these to health professionals and the general public.<p>This report on the negative effects of alcohol consumption may help stimulate discussion, both within Europe and beyond, on the implementation of appropriate measures to reduce abusive alcohol consumption and thus the extent of alcohol-related problems.
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