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What should I keep in mind considering my consumer behavior?
What legal rules are valid?

In Germany alcohol is free and available at comparatively low prices in almost all grocery stores and restaurants. Because of that there are some rules to keep in mind while consuming alcohol. From the age of 16 people in Germany are allowed to purchase less strong alcohol such as wine, beer and champagne. From the age of 18 you can purchase also stronger spirits such as brandy and liqueurs. Wine and beer is often drunk to accompany the food. Excessive consumption of alcohol and public intoxication are not welcome in Germany. Alcohol consumed in excess can have great influence on the perception and behavior. Physically, it can cause nausea and vomiting, but in particular a blurred vision and balance problems. The reactions caused by alcohol reach from language disorders through increased aggression to loss of self-control as well as memory loss. Driving under alcohol or drug influence is also strictly prohibited. Heavily intoxicated people that behave erratically in public can be taken under custody by the police until they are sober for their own protection.Tobacco and cigarettes are sold to people over the age of 18 years in Germany. They can be bought, for example, in supermarkets, newsagents and petrol stations. Public buildings such as restaurants, schools, offices or stations are non-smoking areas. Exceptions are clearly marked smoking areas. You are allowed to smoke in public but the cigarettes must be erased prior to disposal and disposed of in a trash can or ashtray. They should not be disposed on the street and of course not into nature. Cigarettes are quite expensive and because of that many illegal hawkers offer smuggled cigarettes in Germany. The purchase and sale of cigarettes is forbidden just like the smuggling. Additionally these cigarettes often contain strongly hazardous ingredients.

The possession and sale of drugs is strictly forbidden in Germany. Despite strict prohibition there are illegal hawkers who sell drugs illegally. Unfortunately now also refugees are persuaded or forced to smuggle drugs. Please contact a supervisor or police officers should you be prompted to buy drugs, sell or smuggle. A conviction endangers your stay status and recognition of your asylum application.

Drugs can endanger life circumstances. Crystal meth makes users immediately dependent and destroys organs permanently. Especially the use of heroin usually ends fatally for drug addicts. There are also party drugs such as ecstasy and cocaine, which both have a strong mind-altering influence, are harmful and make highly dependent. According to the Narcotics Act only marijuana may be consumed in prescribed amount for health reasons, when it was allowed by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices. This may be the case if the effects of marijuana can help relieve the symptoms of particular diseases. Drug addicts and alcoholics can get therapy. To obtain a treatment unit, they can turn to a doctor. In addition, there are many counseling centers and support groups that offer to help.