Abstract

In Germany public health is impaired by high alcohol consumption and alcohol related damage. Yet very few people who participate in excessive forms of alcohol consumption obtain any alcohol specific treatment. The present German controversy surrounding Controlled Drinking (CD) as an appropriate treatment goal and a means to improve the range and effectiveness of the existing health care system is discussed. In this article the author provides an overview of the German CD trials. The German behavioral self-control programs (the “AkT” group program and the bibliotherapeutic “10 Steps Program”) that triggered the present debate on CD are discussed as well. It is concluded that with regard to public health, ethical, therapeutic, and effectiveness concerns, CD approaches should become adjunct to the traditional German abstinence oriented treatment system for alcohol and drug addicts.

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