Germany Faces Stark Regional Disparities in Alcohol Addiction Rates

New data reveals over 1.4 million people nationwide received treatment for alcohol dependency in 2023, with rates highest in the northeast.

A 2023 analysis by the Barmer Institute for Health System Research found 1.4 million people in Germany sought medical treatment for alcohol addiction, with men comprising over two-thirds of cases.
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern had the highest percentage of affected individuals at 2.61%, followed by Sachsen at 2.27%, both significantly above the national average of 1.7%.
Alcohol dependency was most prevalent among individuals aged 55-64, with nearly 293,000 men and 114,000 women in this age group diagnosed in 2023.
Experts emphasize that the actual number of alcohol-dependent individuals is likely much higher due to underreporting and societal stigma surrounding addiction.
Health officials highlight the urgent need for early intervention, greater public awareness, and expanded access to support services, including self-tests and counseling options for affected individuals and their families.