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Addiction counseling for existing or impending addiction problems; utilization
People at risk of addiction or suffering from addiction and their relatives can obtain information, advice and help from the psychosocial addiction counseling centers (PSBen) available throughout Bavaria. Health authorities and general practitioners and specialists can also be the first point of contact.
Online services
Online services
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Beratungsplattform "DigiSucht"
DigiSucht is a digital counseling platform that can be used completely anonymously and free of charge. The platform connects you digitally with counseling centers in your area and enables digital exchange with professional counselors who also work in local addiction counseling centers. The online addiction counseling on DigiSucht is aimed at those affected, relatives and parents and offers support for all questions relating to dealing with drugs, psychoactive substances, gambling or digital media.
Responsible for you
For contact details of the responsible authoritiy and local valid information select under "Select location" a location.
Procedure details
Description
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").
Requirements
You have an addiction problem or a relative has an addiction problem.
Required documents
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none
Proceedings
You can contact a psychosocial addiction counseling center. You can find the contact details via "Responsible for you".
Counseling can take place directly on site or online via the "DigiSucht" counseling platform (see "Online procedure"), which is standardized across all providers in Germany.
Combined counseling concepts consisting of digital and analog counseling on site are also possible. With "DigiSucht", a particularly low-threshold, time- and location-independent access to the help and support services of the psychosocial addiction counseling centers has been created. In addition to general information on the subject of addiction, those seeking advice also have the opportunity to take anonymous self-tests on their own consumption behavior.
Fees
Counseling (analog on-site or digital) by psychosocial addiction counseling centers or health authorities is free of charge. In the case of medical counseling (by general practitioners or specialists), the costs are usually covered by the health insurance companies.
Deadlines
There are no deadlines.
Special notes
If you want to find out more about the various addictive substances and their patterns of abuse, contact the German Centre for Addiction Issues (see "Further links") or the Center for Prevention and Health Promotion (ZPG) at the State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL).
Legal bases
Related links
Related issues
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HIV and AIDS; information, prevention and counseling
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Addiction; information on withdrawal treatmentAddiction disorders require psychotherapeutic treatment in a psychosocial and occupational therapy setting.
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Addiction; information on withdrawal treatmentPeople suffering from alcohol, medication or drug addiction can be treated.
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Addiction prevention services; utilization
Addiction prevention efforts are aimed at preventing risky, harmful or addictive behavior and consumption. In addition to avoiding risk factors, health resources and skills should also be strengthened.
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Addiction therapy facility; application for recognitionUnder certain conditions, offenders addicted to narcotics can be treated in recognized addiction therapy facilities with the aim of overcoming their addiction, with the time spent in these facilities being credited against the sentence ("therapy instead of punishment").
Status: 09.03.2026
Editorially responsible for prodecure description: Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Gesundheit, Pflege und Prävention
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