Drug addiction

Drug 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:

• strong craving or compulsive desire to take the drug
• physical withdrawal symptoms if the usual dose is not taken or is delayed
• Loss of control over the timing, quantity and frequency of medication intake
• Loss of effect of the medication (development of tolerance), accompanied by an increase in the dose
• medication intake is continued despite serious consequential damage
• 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

   Drug addiction counseling informs those affected and their relatives about the effects, risks and consequences of drug abuse 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 to specialized services if required.

3. Competent support

   Provides an emotionally supportive environment for people struggling with medication addiction.

4. Treatment planning

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

5. Help with finding 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 provides information about the risks and consequences of drug abuse and shows how drug dependency can be avoided.

7. Support for relatives

   It offers help and advice for families and friends of those affected in order 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 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 the counseling is followed by outpatient or inpatient therapy, 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 rehabilitation benefits.

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

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

• Nationwide addiction and drug hotline: 01806 - 31 30 31
  (24 hours a day, €0.20/call from a landline, mobile max. €0.60/call)
• Telephone 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 in the section for relatives.

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.

There are various options after the consultation. Ideally, the counselor will have told you which help options are suitable for you. 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 will not be 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 counseling center offers by 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 together to help you.