Regardless of the type of addiction problem (e.g. alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, illegal drugs, medication, gambling, media and internet use), the psychosocial addiction counseling centers offer help and support to people at risk of addiction or suffering from addiction and their relatives. Their focus is on outpatient counseling and support. In most cases, this is where the first contacts with those affected take place. The course is set for inpatient or outpatient therapy, detoxification treatment can be arranged and aftercare can be provided to prevent relapses. The psychosocial addiction counseling centers also offer assistance in clarifying the assumption of costs for treatment and rehabilitation.

If you are affected by addiction yourself or have questions about how to deal with a relative's addiction problems, the addiction counseling centers, your public health department or your family doctor are your first points of contact. You can find a Bavaria-wide directory of these facilities and a list of low-threshold help on the website of the Bavarian Addiction Help Coordination Center (KBS) (see "Further links"). A nationwide directory and comprehensive information on the subject of addiction can be found on the website of the German Center for Addiction Issues (see "Related links").