Addiction and Dealing with Addiction
Addictions are widespread. Especially people in challenging situations tend to get addicted. So the tension between family and career can sometimes be the trigger for an addiction.
Reasons for the emergence of an addiction
- Search for relaxation
- Distraction from problems
- Physical or nervous overload
- Possibilities for switching off
- Way to increase performance
- Combat physical or nervous symptoms
Addiction can develop people to quite different things. There are substance-related addictions such as those to alcohol, medicines, cigarettes or cocaine. A distinction is made between legally and illegally available drugs. In addition, there are non-substance addictions. The best known addictions of this kind are gambling addiction, shopping addiction or sex addiction.
Most addictions are now officially recognized. An addict can therefore seek help accordingly. Acute effects of addiction are therefore recognized as reasons for sick leave, medical treatment, hospitalization, and therapy.
In Germany, there are also a wide range of help and counselling services for addicts and their relatives and friends, independent of medical care. Such services are also available especially for employees and employers who are directly or indirectly involved in addiction disorders. These range from information portals on the Internet and professional aid organisations to self-help groups run directly by those affected.
It is always very important to realise that in very rare cases it is only possible to fight an addiction on one's own. Here it is highly recommended to go to a doctor, to seek medical and psychological care and to visit self-help groups, for example.
From the employee's point of view, it is also particularly important to communicate the addiction honestly to the employer and the health insurance company. Only in this case, for example, does protection against dismissal due to long-term illness apply.
Questions and answers
How do I know if I have an addiction or addiction condition?
An addiction problem often already exists, long before direct consequences such as withdrawal symptoms, physical / nervous symptoms or for example a personality change must be present. If you have the feeling that you for example need to consume a certain substance in order to regain your daily life, you may already have developed an addiction or a tendency to it.
Where can I find help if I am addicted to something?
There is a central addiction counseling service in all major German cities and regions, operated by the city or a relief organization (e.g. Caritas). There you can first inform generally and anonymously. But you also get specific help and tips on possible medical and therapeutic measures. You will also get contact to local self-help groups there. The visit of an addiction counseling service should not be seen as a substitute for medical care.
How can I help an addicted person?
The problem with an addiction is that the person concerned has to recognize his own problem. Except perhaps the expression of concern, little will help to the affected and make a difference. The offer of help certainly can be useful, but trying to impose this usually leads to a rejection or refusal attitude. Unfortunately, as an outsider, it is rarely possible to do more than give suggestions, expressing concern and asking about the possible problem. An exception is her, if the addict heads into acute health or personal danger. The best way to find out about options in such cases is with a local addiction counseling service.
What is co-dependency?
Co-dependency is itself an addiction, it affects the people around an addicted person. Co-addicts try to help the sick person, protect him, warn, explain and justify the behaviour towards others. The main problem of co-dependency is that it makes life easier for the addict, and possibly worsens his addiction.
Checklist
Helpful Links
Healthy Saxony - A portal to healthy life by the SMS Saxony
In its portal, the State of Saxony provides information on healthy Saxons throughout the spectrum about healthy living in Saxony. You will find information on the topics of energy, health promotion, health care, health economics and the veterinary industry.
About addictions - Land Saxony
On the platform of healthy Saxony, the land is much detailed information on the subject of addiction prevention. In addition you will receive essential contacts, links, videos and publications.
About addiction counseling by the Saxon Ministry for Social Affairs
The Saxon State Ministry of Social Affairs and Consumer Protection provides you with detailed information about addiction counseling and the possible handling of addiction.
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Addresses
01805 313031 - Sucht- und Drogen Hotline
Sucht- und Drogen Notruf: 01805 313031
Dresden
SMS - Sächsisches Ministerium für Soziales und Verbraucherschutz
Albertstraße 10
01097 Dresden
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Sächsische Landesstelle gegen die Suchtgefahren e. V.
Glacisstraße 26
01099 Dresden
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Deutsche Hauptstelle für Suchtfragen e. V.
Westenwall 4
59065 Hamm
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Sächsische Landesvereinigung für Gesundheitsförderung
Könneritzstraße 5
01067 Dresden
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Parental counselling for children and adolescents at risk of addiction
+49800 1110111
mail@elternberatung-sucht.de
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Drug Scout - Drogenberatung
Demmeringstr. 32
04177 Leipzig