Addiction
Challenges of addiction and dependency
Whether alcohol, drugs, gambling or digital media - addiction can have many faces. Have you ever asked yourself "Have I lost control?" or are you worried about someone close to you? In both cases, it's important to know: There are ways to break the addiction.
Cycle of addiction
Addiction often follows a certain pattern: initially, the focus is on the perceived control over the behavior. Over time, however, the consumption (e.g. alcohol or drugs) or the behavior (e.g. gambling or internet addiction) becomes a habit. Body and mind adapt - and at some point the previous dose is no longer enough. This is followed by the urge for "more" and control is lost.
Burdens for those affected
- Health consequences: Addiction damages physical and mental health - from nervousness and sleep disorders to serious physical illnesses.
- Loss of relationships: Partnerships, friendships or family life suffer from conflicts, disappointments or loss of trust.
- Financial problems: Whether high debts due to gambling or the cost of substances - addiction can quickly become a financial burden.
- Isolation and shame: Many sufferers are ashamed of their addiction, withdraw and avoid contact with others.
Burdens for relatives
- Hope and disappointment: Relatives often hope that the person concerned will "just stop", but experience setbacks time and again.
- Emotional exhaustion: Carrying the burden can overwhelm relatives and lead to exhaustion or even co-dependency.
- Conflicts in everyday life: The affected person's behavior (e.g. unreliability or loss of control) often leads to disputes and stress in family life.
First steps: How the path out of addiction can succeed
The first and most important step is to recognize your own addiction. This requires honesty with yourself. Questions such as "Why do I keep turning to alcohol, drugs or other behavioral patterns?" can help you reflect on your own behavior. Self-observation or conversations with people you trust can bring clarity and provide initial relief. If this is difficult, anonymous telephone counseling or online chats also offer the opportunity to talk without fear of judgment.
Finding support: Where can I get help?
There are many contact points that support those affected and their relatives - anonymously, free of charge and without prejudice.
Counseling and support
- Addiction counseling centers: They offer personal or anonymous counseling sessions - on site or online. There, those affected and their relatives can talk about their situation and receive support.
- Psychological support: Therapists help to identify the causes of addiction and develop new behavioral patterns. Talking therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy or addiction therapies are important components of treatment.
- Detox and rehabilitation clinics: Medical detoxification may be necessary in the case of physical addiction (e.g. alcohol or drugs). Rehabilitation clinics accompany the prolonged withdrawal and return to everyday life.
Support for relatives
- Relatives groups: Self-help groups for relatives offer the opportunity to talk to other affected people, relieve themselves and develop new strategies for action.
- Counselling centers for relatives: Some counselling centers offer special talks for relatives to make it easier to deal with the situation and avoid co-dependency.
Phone and online help
- Addiction hotline: Affected persons and relatives can seek advice quickly and easily via anonymous telephone hotlines - 24 hours a day.
- Online advice and chats: Many advice centers now offer online chats or email advice. This can be particularly helpful for people who are still unsure about seeking direct contact.
- Platforms such as kim.nrw: You can use kim.nrw to search specifically for regional advice centers, withdrawal services and self-help groups - anonymously and easily.
Frequently asked questions about addiction and dependency
Signs of addiction can include frequent use, loss of control (e.g. "I'll stop tomorrow" doesn't work), neglect of duties and withdrawal symptoms (restlessness, sleep problems). If thoughts of the substance (e.g. alcohol, drugs) dominate everyday life, this may be an indication of an addiction problem. Counseling centers can help with the assessment.
Addiction counseling centers, psychotherapeutic practices and specialist clinics for addiction therapy offer help. There you will receive support to take the first step - from counseling sessions to detoxification and inpatient therapy. Anonymous services such as the addiction hotline also offer quick help.
Talk about your worries without making accusations. Offer to contact an addiction counseling center together. Relatives can also seek advice themselves to help them deal with the situation better. There are special groups and counseling services aimed specifically at relatives.