Schnapsucht

Schnapsucht is a historical German term describing chronic alcohol dependence, particularly on spirits. The word combines Schnaps and Sucht, meaning addiction or craving. In older German medical literature, Schnapsucht denotes a pathological craving for alcohol and an inability to regulate consumption, resulting in social dysfunction, health problems, and withdrawal symptoms when alcohol is withheld. The term carries both medical and moral connotations and was widely used from the 18th through the early 20th centuries. In contemporary clinical language, Schnapsucht is rarely used; the condition is described as Alkoholabhängigkeit or Alkoholkonsumstörung, corresponding to Alcohol Use Disorder in modern classification schemes such as DSM-5 and ICD-11.

Clinical features described under Schnapsucht include strong craving for spirits, loss of control over intake, maintenance of drinking despite harm, tolerance (needing more to achieve effect), withdrawal symptoms, and impairment in work, relationships, or health. The label reflected cultural associations with hard liquor and often moral judgments about willpower and character.

Causes and risk factors are understood today as multifactorial, including genetic predisposition, neurobiological factors, psychosocial stress, and environmental exposure to cheap or readily available spirits. Treatment historically relied on moral exhortation and abstinence, while current approaches emphasize evidence-based strategies: medical detoxification, pharmacotherapy (e.g., acamprosate, naltrexone, disulfiram), counseling, and psychosocial support. The concept remains of historical interest for understanding the evolution of alcohol-related health debates in German-speaking regions.