A joint action week on alcohol awareness has been formulated by the German-speaking ministers of health from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Luxembourg, to run over the week of 13 to 21 May.
"Alcohol? Less is better!” is the theme for the week, organised by the Ministry of Health, together with the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Infrastructure, and the road safety authority.
Consumption of alcohol is widespread in Luxembourg and becoming an ever-increasing problem. Around 30,000 people in Luxembourg are thought to have an alcohol disorder, among whom 4,000 to 5,000 are seriously addicted. Yet, no other drug is as socially acceptable.
The focus of the action week for 2017 is "No alcohol on the road!” where consumption endangers not only the user, but also others sharing the road with them.
Alcohol is the second most common cause of fatal (30%) or serious accidents (19%). Among young people between 25 and 34 years of age, an increased consumption of alcohol plays a particularly decisive role.
Most people do not know that the first glass already lowers attention levels while driving or during work. And the daily second glass of beer or wine increases the risk to health.
The prevention campaign is primarily based on good citizenship and self-help. At its core are the volunteers who will spread the central statements of the action week in pedestrian zones and shopping malls, schools, and workplaces, during sporting events and youth clubs, which are aimed at prompting people to question their own consumption and the damage it may be doing.
Organisers interested in participating are invited to register before 5 May via the homepage of the week of the Action Week websites: www.aktionswoche-alkohol.lu / www.semaine-alcool.lu — they will received free information materials.
The website is the central platform for organisers and those who want to know more about alcohol, with information on the events and material assignments, background information on the subject of alcohol and useful information and addresses.
The action week takes place in close cooperation with the German headquarters for addiction (DHS), which has organised the "Aktionswoche Alkohol" in Germany since 2007.
