Where can relatives get counselling on cannabis use?
Relatives can find counselling at addiction counselling centres near them, in online services and at the youth welfare office (Jugendamt) if the affected child is still a minor. Which service suits you depends mostly on where you live and on the age of the person who uses cannabis. What matters: the DHS also names addiction counselling centres as the right contact for relatives and those affected. You do not have to wait until the affected person comes in themselves.
Which services offer counselling locally?
The most important point of contact is the addiction counselling centre. The DHS describes these centres as the right contact for relatives and those affected. Telephone and online counselling, as well as counselling in local centres, can help you clarify open questions. According to the Federal Drug Commissioner (Bundesdrogenbeauftragter), some centres specialise in particular substances or forms of addiction.
The DHS addiction help directory lists contact details and areas of focus for around 2,100 services. Ask the service whether it counsels relatives and has experience with cannabis.
If the child is a minor
For parents of children with addiction problems, the DHS names two routes: the youth welfare office (Jugendamt), which provides support based on the legal entitlement to educational support (Hilfen zur Erziehung) under Book VIII of the Social Code (SGB VIII), and the municipal addiction counselling centres. The affected young person is the focus there, but parents as a rule also receive support, often in initial conversations and counselling. Some drug counselling services offer relatives' groups led by specialists.
- Addiction counselling that offers something for relatives
- Youth welfare office (Jugendamt), for educational support
- Family counselling, when conflict at home is the main concern
What do online services offer?
Online counselling suits you if getting to a centre is difficult or if you first want to speak anonymously. DigiSucht describes its counselling for relatives as anonymous and free of charge. Online counselling does not replace counselling on site. It can, however, make it easier to get started.
When using online services, look at data protection and at who runs the offer. Reputable providers clearly name their operator, their specialists and their data protection rules. If you are unsure, ask directly.
What happens in the first conversation?
According to the DHS, the counselling conversation focuses on your own situation, questions and worries. There you can clarify which behaviour towards the dependent person is appropriate and what support you yourself need.
- Note beforehand what concerns you and which questions you have.
- Clarify who takes part in the conversation and whether the affected person can come.
- Ask about confidentiality before you share personal matters.
- Arrange a follow-up appointment if you need more time.
How confidential is the counselling?
The DHS describes all conversations in addiction counselling centres as strictly confidential, and the centres do not pass on information. Still ask before the first conversation how the service handles information and whether there are exceptions, for example where a child is in acute danger.
DigiSucht states that relatives are not to blame for the addiction of the person close to them, and that the will to change must come from the affected person themselves. Counselling can help you clarify your role.
Why do you need your own counselling?
The DHS describes how the lives of relatives can be taken over by addiction, leaving little room for their own hobbies and interests. According to the DHS, looking after your own wellbeing is what first makes it possible to help properly. On this point, DigiSucht names setting limits and looking after yourself.
The article on own counselling for relatives explains the reasons in more detail.
What role do self-help groups for relatives play?
Alongside counselling, there are self-help groups for people who have a relative with addiction problems. The DHS describes how relatives meet people there who experience or have experienced similar things. According to the DHS, taking part is free of charge, both on site and online.
Self-help groups do not replace professional counselling. They complement it. Ask the counselling centre whether it knows such groups, or search specifically for offers in your region.
How do you find a service with experience in cannabis?
According to the Federal Drug Commissioner, counselling centres are sometimes specialised in particular substances or forms of addiction. Ask specifically whether the specialists have experience with cannabis use, especially among young people.
On the centres' websites you can often find information about their focus areas. A quick look beforehand saves time and stops you ending up at the wrong service.
What can you clarify before the appointment?
Think beforehand about which questions concern you most. A concern such as “I do not know how to talk to my son” helps the specialist to guide the conversation. Also note the most important events of the past few months.
Before the appointment, ask about costs, waiting times and possible confidentiality. These questions can usually be clarified briefly by phone, without committing yourself.
What if the service does not suit you?
Not every counselling service suits every person. If after two or three conversations you do not feel understood, you may switch. Tell the specialist openly what is missing for you.
Switching services is possible.
What you can do now
Look for a service near you and note its contact details. If you are unsure which route suits you, start with a phone call or an online enquiry. The article on the first conversation at addiction counselling shows the process in detail. If you are looking for help with a specific service, the article on finding an addiction counselling centre gives further steps.
The topic page Help and counselling brings together all services for relatives and for people who use cannabis.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get counselling even if the other person does not come along?
Yes. Counselling centres offer conversations for relatives even when the person who uses cannabis does not come along. They focus on your worries, your role and how you cope with the situation. Ask the service which offers exist for relatives.
Who is responsible for counselling?
Usually the addiction counselling centre near where you live is the first point of contact. If the child is a minor, the youth welfare office (Jugendamt) can also help. Online services are available regardless of where you live. A short call clarifies which service is right for your situation.