Ninety Decades of Alcoholics Anonymous: Expanding Membership, Intensifying Struggles
Freshened Up: Alcohol Addiction Crisis Hits Home - News Radio Finds Out
How COVID-19 Affected Alcoholics in Germany
Today's Topic on Radio: Our website UP-TO-DATE ** Brings the Heartbreaking Testimony of Anonymous Alcoholics Turning 90
Transcript:
- June 2025, 8:09 PM
Welcome to our show! Today's topic is close to home and of great importance - the 90th anniversary of Anonymous Alcoholics (AA) and how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected alcoholics in Germany.
-Sarah Bötscher, UP-TO-DATE
Did you know? Around ten percent of Saxons have a problematic drinking behavior.That's why the work of addiction self-help groups like AA is crucial.But volunteers leading these groups are not getting any younger.
"I owe AA my life," says Henriette. "It provided me with incredible tools to handle my past and experiences differently." Henriette is a recovering alcoholic and regional speaker for Eastern Saxony at AA.
What's New? 💡
- As a result of COVID-19, alcoholics face more challenges than ever before.*
- The crisis has exposed addiction issues, pushing many to seek help.*
- Online meetings have become essential for young people and those who need help without stigma.*
Knowledge Nugget 💡
- More than 1.4 million people in Germany were in medical treatment for alcoholism in 2023.*
- Over two-thirds of these are men.*
The pandemic has exacerbated the disease's severity, making it even more vital for support groups like AA to be accessible and actively helping those in need.
The pandemic caused a drastic worsening of situations for alcoholics, with work and social support systems taken away. As a result, people were left alone to face their illness. Henriette, a regional speaker at AA, explains that Corona served as a catalyst – if people already suffered from alcoholism, it became more apparent due to the pandemic.
On May 6, 2025, "Directly on Tuesdays" discussed factors leading from enjoyment to an addiction, emphasizing the role of social acceptance in the normalization of dependencies.
Upcoming Topics:Join us next week as we discuss the future of addiction self-help groups in Germany.
Bonus Content 🧵
Up-to-Date on Alcoholism and Cannabis in Germany:Alcohol and cannabis continue to be the most common reasons for addiction counseling.
Clincher 💡
- addiction is both a disease and a social issue.*
- AA remains a crucial pillar of addiction treatment.*
By Peter Schönknecht, a psychiatrist at Saxony Hospital Altscherbitz addiction center.
Special thanks to Henrietta and the AA for their work and dedication!
[1] Sources: German Alcohol Studies & Saxon Substance Abuse and Addiction Report[2] German Health Statistics[3] Behavioral Health Works & AA Virtual Meetings During COVID-19[4] German Alcohol Action Network & Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, online support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) have become vital for individuals with alcohol addiction, particularly young people, as they offer a safe space to seek help without the stigma often associated with addiction.
- The severity of alcoholism has been exacerbated during the pandemic, highlighting the crucial role of groups like AA in providing support and treatment for those in need, emphasizing the intersection of science (mental health) and health-and-wellness as vital areas of focus.
