A person is holding an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) business card bearing the words ‘You are not alone’ before an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting. (Illustrative image)
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Berlin is overhauling its drug policy and will, in future, place greater emphasis on prevention, counselling and health services.
People with alcohol, drug or gambling problems are to find it easier to get help. For the first time in almost 30 years, the Berlin Senate has adopted a new strategy on addiction and drug policy.
"Addiction is not a marginal phenomenon," said Health Senator Ina Czyborra (SPD) following the last Senate meeting before the House of Representatives election. Whilst addictive behaviour is most visible in problem areas, she noted, it affects the whole city and also encompasses phenomena such as online or gambling addiction and alcohol, the most widely consumed legal drug. According to Czyborra, the social, health and societal consequences are significant. “Localised responses are no longer enough,” said the SPD politician. “We have realised that.” The new state strategy is intended to be the answer to this.
Among other things, the plan is to expand low-threshold support services, such as street outreach projects, mobile counselling teams or consumption rooms for people with severe substance use disorders. Berlin also aims to make it easier to access the overdose antidote naloxone and to strengthen services where illegal drugs can be tested for dangerous substances. There are plans to improve the early detection of addiction risks among children and young people. In this context, Czyborra highlighted the rise in the number of drug-related deaths among younger people.
The strategy identifies schools and youth support services, amongst others, as key settings for prevention initiatives. In areas where drugs are consumed in public – such as parks, railway stations and underpasses – addiction support services, social workers, local authorities and the police are to work more closely together. The aim is both to help those affected and to ease the burden on local residents. The strategy cites, amongst other things, high consumption figures in Berlin as justification for the need for action. Cannabis use, for example, is significantly above the national average. Cocaine, ecstasy and other illegal drugs are also used more frequently in Berlin than the national average.
According to the report, people suffering from addiction are not viewed as having failed as individuals, but rather as the result of genetic, psychological and social factors. According to Czyborra, the last comparable strategic report on Berlin’s addiction and drugs policy was published in 1997. The new strategy is now intended to serve as a framework for action in the coming years and will be fleshed out in a plan of action.