Addiction is first and foremost an illness and requires treatment just like any other illness. Almost every city has counseling centers for people with addiction problems. Trained and experienced counselors, psychologists, social workers and doctors work there. Services are aimed at people with alcohol and drug problems as well as drug addicts and gambling addicts. Those directly affected, relatives and, above all, parents can turn to these centers.

The counseling centers work free of charge. Confidential information is not passed on to the police during counseling. If desired, all conversations are anonymous. Just like doctors, addiction counselors are obliged to remain silent - even when it comes to illegal drugs.

For many health care problems and coping with illness-related, illness-inducing and stressful life situations, those affected or their relatives can benefit from a self-help group. The advice centers refer those affected to the relevant self-help group.