Regardless of the type of addiction problem (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, illegal drugs, prescription medications, gambling, media and internet use), psychosocial addiction counseling centers offer help and support to people at risk of addiction or suffering from addiction, as well as their family members. Their focus is on outpatient counseling and care. In most cases, this is where the initial contact with those affected takes place. They help determine whether inpatient or outpatient therapy is appropriate, can arrange detoxification treatment, and provide aftercare to prevent relapses. Psychosocial addiction counseling centers also offer assistance in determining who will cover the costs of treatment and rehabilitation.

If you yourself are affected by addiction or have questions about how to deal with a family member’s addiction problems, the addiction counseling centers, your local public health department, or your primary care physician are your first points of contact. A Bavaria-wide directory of these facilities and a list of low-threshold support services can be found on the website of the Bavarian Addiction Assistance Coordination Office (KBS) (see “Further Links”). A nationwide directory and comprehensive information on the topic of addiction can be found on the website of the German Central Office for Addiction Issues (Deutsche Hauptstelle für Suchtfragen e.V.) (see “Further Links”).