Experts answer five questions about alcohol problems

More than one in three people in Denmark have experienced social, physical or psychological consequences of someone else’s alcohol problem, according to DR. A panel of experts and people with personal experience answered questions from DR users about alcohol problems and their effects.

Why can sober young people feel lonely?

Kirsten Søndergaard Frederiksen, an assistant professor at the Center for Alcohol and Drug Research, said it has traditionally been difficult to be young in Denmark without drinking.

Young people who do not drink can struggle to join social communities, particularly at upper-secondary schools and higher education institutions, because of alcohol’s role in student life. The same can apply to festivals and concerts.

However, more educational institutions are creating communities where young people can take part in social life without drinking. More young people are also choosing not to drink than in the past, she said, suggesting that alcohol culture may change and make it easier to participate without consuming alcohol.

When does alcohol use become a problem?

A user described an increasing use of alcohol to cope with everyday life and raising young children. Although the person recognised that the consumption exceeded recommended levels, they continued to sleep, work, care for their family and maintain relationships.

Isabella Øllgaard, an adviser at Alkolinjen, said signs of losing control can include thinking about alcohol frequently, prioritising it over other things and being unable to do what one has set out to do.

She said alcohol can quickly become a temporary escape that feels helpful in the short term but does not solve the underlying problems. People who want to cut down can use Alkolinjen’s AlkoLog app, she said.

Why do people continue drinking despite the harm?

One user asked why it can be easier to continue drinking while relatives repeatedly point out the problems, eventually losing themselves and seeing a loving relationship break down.

Jørn Aarup, a former addict who has been sober since 2021, said it can be overwhelming for someone with alcohol dependence to face the truth and confront the shame and guilt involved while sober.

He said people with alcohol dependence often drink because of one or more psychological or mental causes rooted in the past. Being told about the problem is often not enough, he said. The person must reach that realisation themselves.

How can relatives hold on to hope?

Another user described a relative who stays sober for periods, then convinces himself and others that he has changed and can control his drinking. Things go well for a while before the problem returns.

Maria Sarwar, head of Rusmiddelcenter Aarhus and BRUS, said addiction can be difficult to manage both for the person affected and for relatives. Repeated attempts are often needed before recovery succeeds.

Relatives may naturally remember previous setbacks and be affected by the uncertainty they have caused. Sarwar said she hoped both the person with the alcohol problem and the relatives would receive the right support.

How can someone remain sober?

A user said they had tried Antabus and managed to stop drinking for several periods of more than three months, but always returned to alcohol.

Janne Skott, a department head at RusmiddelCenter Vejle, said many people believe that stopping is the main problem. For many, however, the greater challenge is remaining sober.

She said it is important to work on the needs alcohol has been used to meet and on the situations that trigger relapse. Several periods of three months without alcohol show that the person is capable of stopping. The next step is to identify what leads to drinking again and get support for that, she said.

Anyone who has received Antabus from their general practitioner should contact the local substance use treatment centre in their municipality, Skott said. The service is free.