Drug Addiction

When we talk about drug dependence or addiction, we are not usually referring to the abuse of alcohol or medication, but to the compulsive consumption of illegal drugs. These include heroin, cocaine, cannabis or amphetamines, for example.

These substances affect the brain in a certain way, usually in a calming or stimulating way. Addiction to drugs can manifest itself in both psychological (mental) and physical (physical) dependence.

Drug addiction often manifests itself at the beginning with symptoms that at first glance could also be attributed to other illnesses. Particular attention should be paid to changes in behavior, changes or loss of interest, loss of performance and general physical health.

1. Information and advice 

   Drug addiction counseling provides those affected and their families with comprehensive information about the dangers and consequences of drug abuse as well as the available treatment options. 

2. Diagnostic support

   It helps to assess drug use and the level of addiction and can refer advanced cases to further professional services. 

3. Immediate help

   It offers immediate advice and support in acute crisis situations. 

4. Therapy mediation and planning

   The drug addiction counseling service helps to draw up an individual treatment plan and provides support in finding suitable treatment facilities or self-help groups. 

5. Accompaniment

   The counseling center offers continuous support throughout the entire therapy process. 

6. Preventive measures

   It carries out preventive measures and provides information about the risks of drug abuse. 

7. Support for relatives

   It offers help and advice for relatives of drug addicts to help them deal with the situation and provide appropriate support for the person affected. 

8. Aftercare

It also supports those affected after therapy in coping with everyday life without drugs and offers help to prevent relapses. 

You do not normally have to present any documents or medical evidence to attend a drug counseling session. However, it makes sense to have examined your own situation in more detail beforehand and to be able to describe your own drug use. For example, information on when and in which situations you use drugs.

• At a drug counseling session, you will discuss with a specialist how and with what consequences you are currently using illegal drugs. At the appointment, you can describe your problems, fears and concerns. 
• The specialist will try to work out suitable solutions together with you. 
• To do this, it makes sense for you to tell them what your current life situation is like and what is motivating you to change your current pattern of consumption. 
• During the consultation, they will then explain to you what options are available to overcome your specific addiction, for example, the addiction counseling center can provide you with withdrawal treatment, therapy places or self-help groups. 
• Depending on your needs, the counseling appointment can usually be held in person, by telephone or online. You can also make use of follow-up appointments after the actual treatment (e.g. detoxification or therapy).

Important: The people with whom you have contact in the context of drug counseling are subject to legal confidentiality.

Psychosocial counseling, such as drug counseling, is usually free of charge.

The counselling centres are usually financed by the municipalities, cities and federal states as well as churches or non-profit organizations. If outpatient or inpatient therapy follows the counseling, there are usually no costs either.

Therapy for drug addiction is a so-called medical rehabilitation service. This is normally paid for by pension insurance. If this is not the case, the health insurance fund or social welfare provider can step in. The counselor will support you in applying for the rehabilitation benefit.

It always makes sense to seek counselling when the use of illegal substances negatively influences your own life or psychological or physical well-being. Experienced experts at the counselling service will help you find a way out of your addiction and the possible mental and health-related consequences.

You should take a look at which drugs you consume and what habits you associate with drug use so that you can answer questions as best possible at your counselling session. You could purchase a notebook and note down your drug use. This can allow you to recognise the situations in which you have a tendency to use drugs.

In Germany, addiction counselling services where you can receive support can be found in almost every town and city. There are also online services as well as a free addiction hotline.

• Nationwide Sucht- und Drogen-Hotline (addition and drug hotline): +49 (0)1806 – 31 30 31
  (24 hours per day, EUR 0.20 per call from landlines, maximum of EUR 0.60 per call from mobiles)
• Telefonseelsorge (free counselling hotline): +49 (0)800 – 111 0 111 or +49 (0)800 – 111 0 222

If you are a family member or friend of a person suffering from drug addiction, you can contact the same counselling services that are available to them. Here you will receive advice and support on how to handle the situation and deal with the person suffering from addiction. A counselling service can also provide you with assistance if you merely suspect that a family member or friend has an issue with excessive drug use. Services are anonymous and usually free of charge.

Lack of personal hygiene; drop-off in performance at school, in training or at work; obvious changes in behaviour and disregard for friends and interests can all be initial symptoms of drug addiction.

The WHO cites six criteria for drug addiction, at least three of which have to have occurred in the past year:

1. sense of compulsion to use drugs
2. reduced ability to control drug use
3. physical withdrawal symptoms if drug use is stopped
4. increased tolerance (drug use must be increased)
5. disregard of other interests in favour of drug use
6. prolonged, damaging use

Concerned family members or friends who would like to find out more about the signs of drug addiction can find more detailed information and further support on this page.

Usually abstinence, which means stopping the use of illegal drugs entirely. If abstinence is not a realistic target, the person suffering from addiction should firstly attempt to reduce the amount of drugs they use. The individual goal of treatment should always be determined together with the person suffering from the addiction. Generally speaking, treatment is aimed at enabling the person suffering from addiction to lead a happy and fulfilling life.

First and foremost, drug addiction counselling is about giving advice. Your counsellor will outline to you which measures are suitable for you, issue recommendations for support and also establish contact to self-help groups if necessary. You can enquire about what counselling services offer by contacting them by telephone or during the initial session.

Counsellors cannot and will not force you to do anything; counselling is all about you obtaining more information. The aim of this counselling is for the counsellor and you to determine together what support you need.

If you receive benefits and are also addicted to drugs, it is possible in some cases that the job centre will request that you undertake certain measures to combat your addiction. But there is no obligation here.