What happens in drug counselling?
In drug counselling you talk with a specialist about your use, your concerns and possible next steps. Counselling involves no interrogation. It helps you understand your situation and decide what you want to do. Each service sets its own detailed process, but the basics are similar everywhere.
Who can use drug counselling
Drug counselling is for people who seek help. The online provider mindzone explicitly names people who use drugs, those affected, and friends and relatives as its target group. You do not have to be dependent yourself to have a conversation. You are also in the right place if you are only worried about someone else.
If you are unsure whether your situation fits, simply ask by phone or email. The services will clarify with you whether they are responsible.
Which topics come up in the conversation
The topics range from patterns of use through the effects and risks of psychoactive substances to dependence and addiction. For cannabis, the following questions often come up:
- How often and in which situations do you use?
- What effect do you experience, and which consequences do you notice in everyday life?
- Do you feel you can still control your use?
- How does use affect school, training, work or relationships?
You decide which topics you bring up and how deeply you go into them. The specialist will ask follow-up questions if something remains unclear.
The first contact
The first contact is there to understand your concern. Whether you talk on site, by phone, by chat or by video varies by offer. For online counselling, you usually book the appointment through the platform. How appointments are arranged is shown on each platform.
At the end of the first contact, it should be clear how things will continue, for example with a further appointment or a referral to another service. Ask if you did not understand the next step.
What you can do beforehand
A short preparation makes the conversation more productive. Note down what is on your mind and what goals you have. If you want more structure, write down your use over the last two to four weeks. The article How do I prepare for the first counselling conversation? provides a checklist for this.
What relatives can expect from drug counselling
Relatives and friends can also use drug counselling. The focus is then on your own situation, your concerns and your limits. Counselling leaves the decision for the other person with them, but it helps you deal with the situation more confidently.
If you are worried, it helps to write down concrete observations. When did something happen, what did you see, and how did the person react? More information is in the article Where can relatives find counselling about cannabis use?
What helps you in the conversation
A conversation works best when you are open and take your time. These points make the work easier:
- Say what matters to you, even if it feels uncomfortable.
- Ask if you do not understand a term.
- Note down results and agreed steps.
- Say openly which questions you would rather not answer.
You do not have to tell everything in the first conversation. Counselling develops step by step, and trust usually grows with each appointment.
Welcome even without a goal for use
Many people do not yet know at first contact whether they want to use less or stop altogether. That is no obstacle. Drug counselling can help clarify exactly this question. More on this is in the article Do I have to want to stop before going to counselling?
Online or on site: what fits?
Both forms have advantages. Online, you speak from home. On site, there is personal contact. Which form suits you depends on your situation. The article Online counselling or counselling on site: what fits? compares both routes.
Limits of counselling
Counselling does not replace medical treatment. For physical complaints, strong anxiety or thoughts of self-harm, contact a doctor or the emergency service. The counselling service can, on request, refer you on to other help.
Prevention in counselling
Prevention is also part of counselling. Anyone who talks early about effects and risks is more likely to recognise warning signs. Services provide information on this. A self-test such as the drugcom cannabis check asks about use over the last twelve months, including loss of control, and can be a reason to start a conversation.
After the conversation
Write down straight after the appointment which steps were discussed and by when you want to carry them out. If something remained unclear, get in touch via the service's contact route. At mindzone, you can also ask questions in writing. If the offer does not suit your situation, you can request a different one. That is a perfectly normal step.
What you can do now
- Find a service through the DHS Suchthilfeverzeichnis directory or an online provider.
- Check whether the service is responsible for your situation.
- Note three questions you want to ask.
- Arrange a first contact and make a note of the next step agreed.
For a first conversation by phone, the Sucht & Drogen Hotline is available on 01806 313031. Costs and opening times are listed at sucht-und-drogen-hotline.de. In acute danger, call the emergency number 112.
Frequently asked questions
What happens in drug counselling?
You talk with a specialist about your use, its effects and risks, and your goals. Counselling helps you understand your situation and set the next step. You decide which topics you raise. With online services, you usually book the appointment through the platform. Relatives and friends can also receive help.