Overview

• Over eight million Germans are addicted, with 99,000 smoking-related and 47,500 alcohol-related deaths annually, according to the DHS Yearbook 2025.
• Alcohol and tobacco consumption cost Germany €154 billion annually in health and economic damages, with alcohol alone accounting for €57 billion.
• Germany has some of the cheapest alcohol prices in Europe due to stagnant taxes, with experts recommending a 5% price increase to reduce consumption and save lives.
• The report highlights emerging threats like crack cocaine and synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, in local drug scenes.
• Experts urge Germany's government to prioritize addiction issues in health policy, implement tax reforms, restrict advertising, and expand prevention efforts.