Drug 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, tranquillizers or stimulants. Those affected are unable to control their drug use, 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 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 based on six criteria.

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

• strong craving or compulsive desire to take the medication
• physical withdrawal symptoms when the usual dose is missed or delayed
• loss of control over the timing, amount and frequency of medication intake
• loss of effect of the medication (development of tolerance), accompanied by an increase in the dose
• the medication intake is continued despite serious consequential damage
• the sole focus is on the medication and its intake, 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 service. 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 counselling informs those affected and their relatives about the effects, risks and consequences of medication misuse and shows possible treatment strategies.

2. Diagnosis and assessment

   It helps with the diagnosis and assessment of addiction, explains the differences to necessary medication and can refer people to specialist 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 set up a treatment plan based on the individual's needs and specific addiction situation.

5. Help in finding a therapy

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

6. Prevention work

   It educates people about the risks and consequences of substance abuse and shows them how to avoid addiction.

7. Support for Relatives

   It provides help and counseling for families and friends of those affected to support them and teach them how to 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.

• During 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 life 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 medication use.
• During the consultation, you will be shown what options are available to overcome the addiction, for example by arranging withdrawal treatment, therapy places or self-help groups.

Important: The people with whom you have contact as part 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 funded by the municipalities, cities and federal states as well as churches or non-profit organizations. If the counseling is followed by outpatient or inpatient therapy, there are usually also no costs involved.

Therapy due to drug addiction is a so-called medical rehabilitation service. Pension insurance companies normally pay for this. If this is not the case, the health insurance fund or social welfare provider can step in. The advisor will help you apply for the rehabilitation benefit.

The aftercare is financed by the pension insurance or health insurance fund.

In Germany, there are addiction counseling centers in almost every town where you can get help if you are affected. There are also online services and free telephone counseling.

• Federal Addiction and drug hotline: 01806 - 31 30 31
  (24 hours a day, €0.20/call from a landline, mobile max. €0.60/call)
• Phone counseling (free of charge): 0800 - 111 0 111 or 0800 - 111 0 222

Most counseling centers also offer counseling sessions for relatives and friends. If you suspect that someone close to you may be suffering from a drug addiction, you can find more information here.

As a rule, addiction counseling sessions are anonymous. If you want to be sure, call the counseling center of your choice in advance and ask.

After the consultation, there are various options. Ideally, the counselor will have told you the most suitable help options for you during the consultation. Treatment can combine medical, psychological and sociotherapeutic measures. During the consultation, you may have discovered that a self-help group or therapy would be the next step for you. There are outpatient therapies, treatments in day clinics (all-day outpatient) or inpatient therapies.

IMPORTANT: You are not forced to do anything, all steps you decide to take are voluntary!

Addiction counseling centers primarily have an advisory function: your counselor will show you which measures are suitable for you, make recommendations for offers of help and, if necessary, put you in touch with a self-help group. You can find out what specific options your advice center offers over the phone or during your initial consultation.

The addiction counselor cannot and will not force you to do anything, as this is counseling. The aim of this counseling is to find a way to help you together.