Is outpatient treatment for cannabis dependence possible?
Yes, outpatient treatment for cannabis dependence is possible. It takes place in your everyday life, so you do not have to be admitted as an inpatient for it. The DHS addiction help directory lists outpatient counselling (addiction and drug counselling) and outpatient treatment as separate types of service, alongside digital addiction counselling through the DigiSucht platform. Which route fits depends on how severe the dependence is, on your daily life and on your goals. This guide explains the options and helps you decide.
Which outpatient services are there?
The most important point of contact is the addiction counselling centre. According to the Federal Drug Commissioner (Bundesdrogenbeauftragter), there are counselling centres for people with addiction problems and their relatives in almost every town, some of them specialised in particular substances. The addiction help directory lists contact details and areas of focus.
- Individual counselling at the addiction counselling centre
- Group services, where the centre offers them
- Medical support from a family doctor or specialist practice
- Online counselling, for example through DigiSucht (anonymous and free of charge)
Services can be combined. Ask the centre what it offers itself and where it can refer you.
When is an outpatient route suitable?
The sources used do not give a fixed rule. Outpatient means that you attend appointments and live at home. To make this work, you need to be able to fit the appointments around work, training or family.
If there are serious co-occurring conditions, or if outpatient help is not enough, inpatient services may be an option. The article on the difference between outpatient and inpatient care explains the distinction in more detail.
How does outpatient treatment work?
At the start there is usually an initial conversation in which your situation is recorded. The specialist asks about patterns of use, health, daily life and goals. From this a plan is drawn up that records appointments, goals and possible steps.
- Initial conversation at the counselling centre or practice
- Joint goal setting, for example reduction or abstinence
- Regular appointments, more frequent at first and less frequent later
- Support after setbacks and adjustment of the plan
- Conclusion with an outlook on the time after treatment
The process of the first conversation is described in the article on the first conversation at addiction counselling.
What role do groups play?
Some addiction counselling centres offer groups, and other self-help organisations do too. To find self-help groups, the DHS refers to the associations of addiction self-help. If a group does not suit you, try a second appointment or ask about individual counselling.
When is rehabilitation or a clinic the better route?
Rehabilitation or inpatient treatment may be an option if outpatient services are not enough, if you cannot stabilise yourself in everyday life, or if co-occurring conditions arise. The counselling service can advise you on these routes and support you through the application steps.
The article on rehabilitation for dependence explains how rehabilitation works and when it makes sense.
How do you find the right route?
The simplest step is a conversation with the addiction counselling service near you. The specialists know the services on site and can assess what suits you. Before you go, write down what you want to achieve and which obstacles have held you back so far.
An overview of the centres near you is in the article on finding an addiction counselling centre.
How binding is outpatient treatment?
Appointments have to fit into your everyday life. The centre agrees with you how often they take place. If you miss an appointment, cancel it openly or arrange a new one. Talk about what keeps you from attending early on.
What expectations are realistic?
drugcom describes physical withdrawal from cannabis as unpleasant but not life-threatening. It is usually over after three to four weeks. According to drugcom, psychological dependence is longer-lasting and requires active engagement with your use.
For that reason, set yourself goals in small steps, such as using less or taking regular breaks, and review them at regular intervals with the specialist.
What role does the doctor play in outpatient treatment?
A doctor can check physical and mental complaints. This is especially important if depression or anxiety symptoms are present: drugcom describes such problems as a risk factor for using cannabis for "self-medication".
Tell your doctor openly which substances you take, including alcohol or over-the-counter medicines. Only with complete information can the doctor make the treatment safe.
What you can do now
Book an appointment with an addiction counselling centre near you. If you would first like to find out anonymously, use an online service. Take time to decide, but do not wait too long if you notice that your use is shaping your life. The topic page Help and counselling brings together further services and contacts.
Frequently asked questions
Is outpatient treatment for cannabis dependence effective?
Outpatient services exist. The sources used give no reliable figures on effectiveness. Specialists assess case by case which route is enough for you. For severe dependence or co-occurring conditions, inpatient treatment may be an option.
Where can I find outpatient treatment near me?
The first point of contact is usually the addiction counselling centre near where you live. There you learn which individual and group services are available. Online counselling is suitable if you first want to find out without commitment or if the way to the centre is difficult.