Medication Addiction

Medication addiction is a form of addiction in which affected individuals develop a compulsive craving for prescription or over-the-counter medications. It often involves painkillers, sleeping pills, tranquilizers or stimulants. Those affected are unable to control their use of medication, even though it has a negative impact on their lives.

They continue to take the medication despite health, personal or professional problems. They often increase the dosage to achieve the desired effect, which is a sign of a developed tolerance. The problem is complex and requires professional help in order to be able to lead a drug-free life again.

The World Health Organization defines drug dependence as a physical disorder on the basis of six criteria.

However, these do not have to apply simultaneously for a diagnosis, but three of the criteria must have occurred in a person in the last year:

1. Strong craving or compulsive desire to take the drug
2. Physical withdrawal symptoms if the usual dose is not taken or is delayed
3. Loss of control over the timing, quantity and frequency of medication intake
4. Loss of effect of the medication (development of tolerance), accompanied by an increase in the dose
5. Medication intake is continued despite serious consequential damage
6. Sole focus on the medication and taking it, while other areas of life increasingly fade into the background (loss of interest)

It is not necessary to bring any documents to the initial consultation at the addiction counseling center. However, you should be able to describe your drug use and have the names of the drugs in question to hand. You may be asked to complete a questionnaire. If you need to provide documents later on in the counseling process, you will be informed in good time about what is required.

1. Education and information

   Medication addiction counseling informs those affected and their relatives about the effects, risks and consequences of medication abuse and points out possible treatment strategies.

2. Diagnosis and assessment

   It helps with the diagnosis and assessment of the addiction, explains the differences to necessary medication and can refer to specialized services if necessary. 

3. Competent support

   It provides an emotionally supportive environment for people struggling with medication addiction. 

4. Therapy planning

   The counseling center helps to draw up a therapy plan based on the individual needs and the specific addiction situation of the person concerned. 

5. Help with finding a therapy 

   It provides support in finding suitable treatment options, including detox clinics, inpatient and outpatient treatment programs and self-help groups. 

6. Prevention work

   It explains the risks and consequences of drug abuse and shows how to avoid drug dependency.

7. Support for relatives

   It provides help and counseling for families and friends of those affected to support them and teach them how they can be helpful in dealing with addiction. 

8. Aftercare and relapse prevention

   After therapy, drug addiction counseling supports those affected in leading a life without addiction and preventing relapses.

• As part of an addiction consultation, you will discuss with a specialist how and with what consequences you are currently consuming medication. 
• You will be asked questions about your current circumstances. 
• The next step is to find out how motivated you are to change your current situation and what goals you are pursuing with regard to your drug use. 
• During the consultation, you will be shown what options are available to help you overcome your addiction, for example by arranging withdrawal treatment, therapy places or self-help groups. 

Important: The people with whom you have contact in the context of drug counseling are subject to a legal duty of 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 medication 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 rehabilitation benefits.

Aftercare is financed by the pension insurance or health insurance fund.

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

Most counselling services also offer counselling for family members and friends. If you suspect that someone you know could be suffering from medication addiction, you can find more information here.

Addiction counselling is usually anonymous. If you would like to make sure you will remain anonymous, simply call your counselling service and ask them.

There are a number of options after counselling. Ideally, during your counselling, your counsellor will have informed you about a number of ways in which you can receive support. Treatment can involve a combination of medical, psychological and sociotherapeutic measures. You may have decided in the course of your counselling that a self-help group or therapy is the right step for you. Outpatient and inpatient therapy is available for this purpose, as well as treatment in day-care hospitals.

Remember, you are not being forced to do anything. Anything you decide to do is entirely voluntary!

First and foremost, addiction counselling services are there to provide 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.