A looming financial crisis threatens addiction counseling services across Germany, according to Peter Raiser, Managing Director of the German Central Office for Drug Issues (Deutsche Hauptstelle für Suchtfragen). Speaking on the annual Day of Remembrance for Victims of Drug-Related Deaths, Raiser warned that a significant majority – approximately three-quarters – of addiction counseling centers are facing severe financial constraints.
The ability to provide vital counseling, support and therapeutic interventions is increasingly challenged by these pressures. The majority of these services are funded by local districts, cities and municipalities. However, Raiser emphasized that addiction support is not a legally mandated responsibility for local authorities, creating a risk that funding could be drastically reduced despite rising needs.
This uncertainty is generating considerable anxiety within the addiction counseling sector. Raiser highlighted that this situation poses a broader societal risk, not solely impacting individuals struggling with addiction. He underscored the economic benefits of investing in addiction support, asserting that for every Euro invested, a return of 17 is realized when factoring in avoided costs across the justice system, healthcare and pension programs. The potential consequences of a collapse in these services represent a serious concern for the future.