Regularly, the Federal Ministry of Health brings out statistics and studies that present the state of addicts and those at risk of addiction in Germany. This is mainly because the consequences of drug addiction and other means are a great burden on the health system and the economy. In total, there are said to be 14.7 million smokers, 1.8 million alcohol addicts and 2.3 million people dependent on medications. (Source: http://www.bmg.bund.de/praevention/gesundheitsgefahren/sucht-und-drogen.html)
However, in addition to the legal addictive substances of alcohol and cigarettes, there are other substances that can severely affect health. Sugar is not an official addictive substance, but many studies suggest that there are excessive amounts in food and that people consume too much of it. Gambling addiction and Internet addiction are among the addictions that first affect the psyche and can lead to serious health and economic consequences. In many cases, addicted individuals get into a kind of vicious circle of dependencies from which they can no longer get out without help. However, those who know the background of addictive substances can protect themselves and be more attentive to their own health.
Sugar
Controversial concept of addiction
Sugar is not an official addictive substance, but many studies suggest that there are excessive amounts in foods and that people are consuming too much of it. Sugar is found in many foods, which is precisely why it is difficult for people to get off of it or limit their consumption. Often it is not even obvious how much sugar is actually in the food. The Associations for Independent Health Advice explain that people consume about 100 grams of sugar per day with food, with additional sugar consumption through sweet drinks. Therefore, it is almost impossible to consistently abstain from sugar, as nutrition is essential for survival and the line between addiction and normal consumption can be very thin. Many researchers criticize that labeling on foods is insufficient, as well as that too few guidelines exist, as has long been the case with alcohol and tobacco.
Changes in the brain
The Internet Medical Information explains in a report that sugar affects the brain in a similar way to heroin and cocaine, and addiction can carry with it an increase in alcohol. Those who consume sugar ensure that the body releases the happiness hormone dopamine and other substances several times, and sustainable connections of sugar and feelings of happiness are formed in the brain. This leads to the brain needing ever greater amounts of sugar to maintain happiness hormone levels, and withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, low concentration and fatigue are often the result. Sugar addiction causes cravings as low serotonin or dopamine levels want to be balanced.
Obesity as a factor in sugar addiction
In many European countries, the number of overweight and obese people is rapidly increasing. This is due on the one hand to a lack of exercise and on the other to poor nutrition. ias PREVENT GmbH conducts health check-ups in Germany and explains in its health report that the messenger substance adiponectin is one of the problem areas in obesity related to sugar. The report explains that fat cells produce hormones that, for example, stimulate fat burning or control insulin sensitivity. Adinopectin is important for sugar regulation and obese individuals in particular have low adinopectin levels. This can lead to insulin resistance, which has a significant negative impact on metabolism. When cells no longer respond to insulin, the pancreas produces more insulin to maintain sugar levels, resulting in a cycle of negative consequences such as further obesity, diabetes or coronary artery disease. Weight reduction is the most important remedy against this.
Hidden sweeteners
| Not necessarily to be classified by consumers
To be classified as a sweetening ingredient |
| Dextrin |
| Thick juice |
| Fruit sweetener |
| Fructose |
| Barley malt |
| Glucose |
| Inulin |
| Yogurt powder |
| Lactose |
| Polydextrose |
| Sucrose |
In this market survey conducted by the consumer centers in Germany, researchers examined various ways and methods used by the food industry to introduce sugar into food without labeling and, if necessary, to replace it with other substances. They found that almost all the goods studied contain sugar in some form or another, and that other sweeteners and sugar substitutes are also present. The versatile designations in particular can irritate consumers:
Hiding the sweeteners is particularly noticeable, as manufacturers present the sugar content in a very positive light, advertising it as “less sweet,” “without sweeteners” or similar, even though other substances are just as sugary. Drinks manufacturers are particularly problematic, they say, because consumers often consume the high sugar content of a bottle in one day, even though it often contains more than three times the maximum daily amount of sugar for adults. Consumer advocates are calling for clearer ingredient labeling and fewer serving sizes, which hardly any consumers use.
Gambling
ATMs and casinos
Casinos are generally considered a place of vice and gambling addiction. It is not uncommon for entire fortunes to be “gambled away” here. ATM gamblers are particularly at risk of falling into addiction. Nearly 70 percent of gambling addicts undergoing treatment are dependent exclusively on slot machines. The portal CasinoVerdiener.com explains in detail, how it can come to the high dependence with automat players. Thus, with slot machines there is a high frequency of winning events and an immediate payout of winnings. The player believes they are in control of the machine and many of these winning machines are open to the public in restaurants, snack bars and the like. Many need the distraction or escape from everyday life and realize only very late that they are in an addiction. In casinos there is a world of its own, where the gambler can pretend and hide well, from everyday life, stress or further obligations. The clear rules and codes of conduct ensure that a firm framework remains in place. Who is addicted to gambling, hopes at the last moment yet to be able to win against the bank and the game and a steady betting increases the chances in their own consciousness.
Pathological gambling
Pathological gambling refers to gambling behavior that is persistent and recurrent and, despite personal problems and consequences thereof, continues to be pursued by affected individuals or even experiences an increase. Pathological gamblers lie to third parties, are irritable and restless, restrict leisure time and working hours, and in some cases seek illegal ways to obtain new money for gambling. In the Addiction Medicine Series of the German Central Office for Addiction Issues, the authors examine causes, symptoms and give categories of the various clinical pictures. They assume that around 540,000 people belong to the problematic, pathological gamblers and around 275,000 people belong to the people at risk. (Source: dhs.de)
The at-risk groups mainly include 14 to 39-year-olds, as many come into contact with gambling at a young age. There is a difference in the age of onset of men and women, as many men start addictive behavior at a young age, while mainly women from forty to fifty belong to the risk group. In addition to addiction to the games, many are at increased risk of disease from tobacco, other addictive substances and anxiety disorders; among pathological gamblers, the risk is over 63 percent.
Causes of addiction
Las Vegas and the Wild West have always been a draw for gambling addicts from every country in the world. Just as there is no clear definition of gambling addiction, the causes are numerous and often linked to other factors. For example, the spielsucht-therapie.de website lists four areas as possible causes:
- Traumatizing events
- Life crises
- Change in the state of consciousness
- Object relations
Traumatizing events may include loss of parents or psychological and physical violence. There is often a connection between problems with other addictions of family members or their own pre-existing addiction. Life crises can be triggers, such as the death of loved ones, accidents, lack of perspective in work and private life, or financial difficulties. Some researchers report changes in awareness and thus behavior, as the positive feeling of winning and the excitement increase the frequency of visits to the casino or gambling hall. Depressive behavior often occurs as well, but need not always be related to it. Addicts subordinate themselves to gambling and orient their lives accordingly, because addicts often have difficulty dealing with emotions and developing stable structures.
Successful therapies and measures
Successful methods include measures taken by casinos and gambling halls to maintain a database of gambling addicts who are barred from entering. In addition, there are gambling regulations that regulate the amount of stakes and winnings per hour and prescribe breaks from gambling. Basically, three phases of treatment are defined by clinics, which are divided into behavioral analysis and background, learning coping strategies in a group setting, and problem-solving strategies. The goal is usually to break the behavioral patterns and clearly identify one’s problems and anchor changes. Ideally, the patient is still in outpatient treatment after therapy in order to persevere outside of clinics. As with many addictions, proximity to the addictive substance in particular is a major problem, which is why there should be no arcades or gambling banks in the surrounding neighborhood.
Computer games and the Internet
The addiction of the 21st century?
Computer game addiction is a modern manifestation of addiction. Nevertheless, it should not be underestimated and should be treated by a psychologist if it reaches extreme proportions. The computer facilitates the world of work and provides variety in everyday life. But in the course of the last decades, the Internet and the networking with the world has become more and more important, in the private and work sphere alike. This newspaper article deals with the question of whether media addiction means the addiction of the 21st century. As an example, the author cites the fact that a therapy facility for drug addicts in Hanover has six out of ten places for Internet and computer game addicts. The balance between normal entertainment and problematic Internet and gaming behavior is often difficult to discern, and many parents despair of their children’s blocking. Researchers recommend setting up shared computer times before teens become more and more disconnected. One problem many addicts face is the lack of recognition of their addiction as a disease, as it is a new medical condition that has not yet been sufficiently studied and researched, and it is not only adolescents who can suffer from it.
Computer game addiction in childhood and adolescence.
A study by the Criminological Research Institute of Lower Saxony examined computer game addiction in children and adolescents. They recognized that 4.3 percent of girls and 15.8 percent of boys had “excessive gaming behavior,” with more than 4.5 hours of gaming daily. They diagnosed 0.3 percent of girls and 3 percent of boys as computer game addicts. Different causes come to light, such as trauma, personality traits or a disturbed perception of reality. The authors point out that a drop in performance does not always have to occur, but when it does, German, history and sports are affected, but not math. Many students also skip school and accept negative consequences for their gambling addiction. They isolate themselves, sleep less and are more often under stress. Many researchers criticize the lack of treatment options and would like to see better controls and safeguards in youth media protection.
Pathological Internet use
Pathological Internet use means a “profound disturbance of relationship and self-esteem regulation,” according to the AHG Clinic in Munich. Doctors distinguish between gaming addiction and chat and surfing behavior.This disorder often occurs together with social phobias, depressive or personality disorders. Pathological features include more than 30 hours of Internet activity per week, social withdrawal, physical problems and identity diffusion, i.e. the blurring of one’s own identity. Online games in particular are said to trigger the symptoms, with an average age of 27. Therapies consist of reference groups as a family unit, individual conversations and/or sports therapy and occupational therapy programs. The duration of treatment is twelve weeks, during which the affected individuals are expected to break out of the vicious cycle with the help of self-reflection and alternative employment opportunities.
Gaming boosts creativity and brain power
Many game manufacturers and gamers defend themselves against the prejudice of addictions or glorification of violence of the games. Computerbild reports on a study that says games can positively influence both creativity and brain power. A player has to perform many tasks under time pressure and his multitasking is perfectly organized for the game victory. It also trains hand-eye coordination, which can be essential for survival when driving in the dark, for example. Action-laden games support the speed of important decisions and encourage creative ideas and designs. Still, researchers point out that depending on pre-existing conditions, games can affect emotional mood and serious illnesses can be exacerbated by excessive gaming.
Alcohol and tobacco
Perpetual vice – Addiction Yearbook 2014.
Alcohol is among the most common addictive substances in Germany. In its annual report, the German Centre for Addiction Issues provides an overview of alcohol and tobacco consumption in Germany and the possible consequences thereof. Every year, 100,000 to 120,000 people die prematurely after excessive alcohol or tobacco consumption. More than 200 diseases and 80 types of accidents are associated with legal drugs. The authors contrast the government revenue from alcohol taxes of 3.3 billion euros with the direct costs from health care, property damage and traffic accidents of 10 billion euros. Tobacco consumption is on the decline, they say, but the number of disease episodes nevertheless remains a heavy burden on the health care system. The association calls for new prevention strategies, such as price increases or time limits on sales, to better protect the population from the consequences of addiction.
Impact of alcohol and tobacco advertising
Advertising of legal drugs remains an important factor. In its 2009 yearbook, the Institute for Therapy and Health Research analyzed the impact and links between advertising and initiation of use. Nowadays, children and adolescents come into contact with alcohol and tobacco between the ages of six and eleven, especially in the media. In a survey of fifth graders, 100 percent said they had seen a familiar beer commercial, and further studies found that up to 95 percent of non-drinking adolescents could name some beer brands and beer commercials. Susceptibility to experiment with and start smoking increases with frequency of media use and other criteria. Alcohol is less socially ostracized, so there are still few representative studies of causal effects. Researchers are certain that limiting advertising could have positive effects on initiation of drug use.
Adolescent alcohol use
In its report on drug affinity, the German Federal Center for Health Education notes that adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 are less likely to consume alcohol regularly than those between the ages of 18 and 25. They perceive a decrease in regular alcohol consumption, in contrast to the 1980s and 1990s, but the number of young adults who consume alcohol at least once a week is increasing. Binge drinking has decreased among youth, while 41.9 percent of young adults confirmed drinking five glasses of alcohol or more in a row at least once in the past 30 days. Alcohol is, however, a regular part of a large proportion of young people’s lives, with 81.9 percent of young adults drinking alcohol at least once a month. The trends show that the consumption of alcohol is ubiquitous and affects young people on a regular basis.
Addictive potential of nicotine
Smoking not only damages the lungs and bronchial tubes, but also causes the skin and internal vessels to age faster. The educational website Drugcom.de reports on the highly addictive potential of nicotine. A study found that compared to alcohol, cocaine and cannabis, cocaine has the highest addiction potential. Furthermore, 68 percent of people who have once reached for a cigarette are said to become addicted. The availability of nicotine is another factor that affects addiction potential, because despite numerous bans and warnings, smoking is not overly outlawed socially. In addition, many smoke several cigarettes a day, reinforcing the connections of addiction in the brain. Mental health problems, moreover, can reinforce or influence addiction.
Conclusion
The causes of addictions are numerous. The large area of medication abuse or drug use is just as relevant as the everyday drugs alcohol and nicotine. The new media create versatile opportunities to shape life, but there are also consequences there for abuse and excessive consumption. Most people are surrounded daily by sugar, the Internet, computers, but also by people using tobacco or alcoholic beverages in the supermarket or at after-work clubs. The potential for addiction increases with stress and personal difficulties, which is why more and more education centers are pointing out the responsibility of politics and the media. The declining numbers of tobacco and alcohol consumption among young people, albeit small in some cases, show that education and social discussions can help.
