Sucht – Information und Hilfe

Addiction is not a weakness and not a personal failure. Addiction is a disease that affects both body and mind. It often develops slowly and unnoticed and can affect anyone. Many people affected feel ashamed or are afraid to talk about it. The important thing is: no one has to face addiction alone.

Addiction Affects More People Than Many Realize

Addiction is not a rare problem. In Germany, millions of people are affected. Almost every family comes into contact with addiction at some point – directly or indirectly. Some people are addicted themselves, others live with people who are affected. Addiction is therefore an issue for society as a whole.

Alcohol addiction often develops gradually and is not recognized as a problem for a long time. What initially serves as relaxation or switching off can, over time, become an addiction and place a heavy burden on health, family, and everyday life. In the following video, you can learn more about alcohol addiction and possible ways out of dependency.

Drug use can quickly lead to addiction and have serious physical and psychological consequences. Many affected individuals increasingly lose control over their lives. The following video provides information about drug addiction, risks, and available help options.

Digital media can also become addictive when they dominate everyday life and push aside other important areas of life. Constant availability, gaming, or social media can increase stress, isolation, and exhaustion. In the following video, you can learn more about internet, social media, and smartphone addiction.

Many people think of addiction only in connection with drugs. But addiction can take many forms. People can become addicted to substances such as alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, or medication, but also to behaviors such as gambling, gaming, internet use, or shopping. What matters is not what is consumed, but the loss of control

Why People Become Addicted

No one becomes addicted without a reason. Addiction is often an attempt to cope with difficult life situations. It helps in the short term to forget stress, fear, or pain. In the long term, however, it makes problems worse.

Many refugees have often experienced:

• war, violence, or loss
• flight and separation from family
• uncertainty during the asylum process
• worries about the future
• loneliness and overwhelm

Many affected people try to numb the feelings associated with these experiences through addictive substances or behaviors. Instead of suppressing or numbing these feelings, it is better – despite the pain – to develop new, positive life perspectives. We support you in this. Book a free counseling appointment in your native language now.

No one has to be alone. Help is free and confidential.

Brandenburg:
Albatros Counseling Center Brandenburg
Counseling in native languages available

Berlin:
Guidance – Addiction counseling for refugees

https://drogennotdienst.de/guidance

Drogennotdienst Berlin (24 hours):
Phone: 030 19237