Challenging Germany’s Drinking Culture: Influencer Calls for Change

Beer and wine are deeply ingrained in Germany’s culture, but with 1.6 million people struggling with alcohol addiction, social media influencer Toyah Diebel is on a mission for change. Diebel, who boasts over 90,000 followers, quit alcohol in 2018 and boldly declared, “Alcohol is just not cool!”

Diebel criticizes how alcohol is normalized in German society, with lenient laws allowing minors to drink beer and wine, contributing to harmful consequences. A recent survey by medical director Rainer Thomasius revealed alarming rates of problematic alcohol consumption among teenagers, leading to health risks and accidents.

Diebel advocates for stricter regulations on alcohol advertising and pricing, highlighting the powerful influence of the alcohol industry on policy. While politicians like Health Minister Karl Lauterbach advocate for change, opposition from parties like the CDU persists.

With an urgent call to rethink Germany’s approach to alcohol, Toyah Diebel and experts like Thomasius emphasize the need for a shift in societal attitudes and regulations to combat the dangers of excessive drinking, especially among the youth.