How does chat counselling for cannabis work?

Chat counselling for cannabis is written contact with specialists over the internet. You write your questions, and a counsellor replies. Availability, process and confidentiality depend on the provider. This article shows examples and how to check an offer.

How contact works in the chat

Three examples from the sources used:

• drugcom chat: according to cannabispraevention.de, young people can ask questions there anonymously. The chat is open at all times, but counselling is available Monday to Friday between 15:00 and 17:00 (except on nationwide and Berlin public holidays).
• mindzone: according to its own information, it offers anonymous, confidential and free online drug counselling and a one-to-one chat, for which you book an appointment online. Chat appointments are updated regularly and announced in advance.
• Krisenchat: according to the Federal Drug Commissioner's Office (Bundesdrogenbeauftragter), it is for everyone under 25 with an acute need for help, free of charge and confidential, including on addiction and drugs.

DigiSucht offers addiction counselling for cannabis online, according to its own information anonymous and free of charge. Entry is via registration.

Availability and response times

Availability is an important point. The drugcom chat is open at all times, but counselling is only available at set times. Check the times before you ask a question, and expect that a reply may take a while: mindzone gives up to two working days for enquiries in its online counselling. In an acute situation, the chat is therefore often not enough.

A reputable service states its hours and response times openly on its site. Ask if you expect a reply and do not receive one.

Confidentiality and data protection in the chat

Whether a duty of confidentiality applies in the chat depends on the provider and the specialist, so ask. mindzone describes its platform as compliant with data protection and SSL-encrypted, its counselling as anonymous, and states that giving an email address is not required. Read the privacy notice before you share personal details. It shows which data is stored and for how long.

In the chat, share only the information you need for the conversation. With anonymous services you do not have to give your name. Often, details about use, age and your concern are enough for good counselling.

What you can ask in the chat

The chat is suitable for questions about use, risks and ways to get help. You could ask, for example, what cannabis can trigger in you or how you find a counselling service near you. Questions about relatives or a group offer are also possible.

If you need to prepare for a later conversation, the article How do I prepare for the first counselling conversation? shows which questions you can ask yourself in advance.

Limits of chat counselling

The chat does not replace a medical examination or a diagnosis. In acute mental crises, with suicidal thoughts or with severe physical complaints, you need immediate help. Then contact the emergency service, the emergency department or your GP.

For longer-term support, personal contact is often better. The article When is online counselling not enough and on-site help is needed? describes these situations in more detail.

How to use the chat sensibly

Write down beforehand what you would like to know. Phrase your question briefly and specifically. If you have several topics, split them over several messages. Note the answers so you can read them again later.

Use the chat as a supplement or as a first step. It can motivate you to visit a counselling service and show you the way there. An overview of services in your region is in the article Where can I find an addiction counselling service for cannabis?.

How to phrase questions in the chat

Good questions are specific. A general question about whether cannabis is harmful gets you little. It is better to describe how often you use and what bothers you about it. Such details help the specialist give you suitable information.

You can also ask which help is available in your region, or find out how a first conversation at a counselling service works. Many people first ask about data protection. The article How safe is my data in online counselling? answers this question.

What the chat cannot do

The chat cannot replace a physical examination or prescribe medication. Nor can it provide crisis help on site. If you feel threatened or someone around you seems at risk, contact the emergency service on 112.

A chat can, however, help you find the next step and name a counselling service that suits your situation. Check whether the service states its own limits. A reputable chat counselling service says openly what it can do and refers you to emergency services in acute danger.

What you can do now

Check the opening hours and privacy notice of a chat service. Put your question in writing, and keep it specific. If you need personal support, book an appointment with a counselling service on site. In an acute crisis, contact the emergency service immediately.