Where do parents get counselling on cannabis?

Parents who are worried about cannabis mainly get counselling at addiction counselling centres, in online services and through doctors. The Elterntelefon and online services are aimed directly at parents. Those who call early gain a clear view of the situation and do not have to think everything through alone.

Addiction counselling centres on site

According to the Federal Drugs Commissioner, almost every town has counselling centres for people with addiction problems and for relatives. Some specialise in particular substances or forms of addiction. There, parents can ask questions, voice their worries and have someone assess whether a conversation with the child is more likely to support it or to burden it.

On the phone, ask whether the service also advises relatives, which appointments are possible and whether you can have a first contact without your child registering. The Deutsche Hauptstelle für Suchtfragen (DHS) runs a database of over 1,400 outpatient addiction counselling centres across Germany.

Online counselling and digital services

If you would rather seek help in writing or at flexible times, there are offers online. According to its own statement, DigiSucht (suchtberatung.digital) offers professional and free addiction and drug counselling for parents, anonymously on request. The BIÖG also refers parents to ELSA, a free online counselling service on children's substance and media use. Online counselling does not replace a personal conversation. It can, however, be a first step.

With online offers, check who runs them and whether the content is backed by sources. Reputable providers state their operator and contact persons clearly.

Doctors and child protection

The family doctor or the paediatrician can classify signs and clarify physical or psychological complaints. This is especially important if your child shows sleep problems, strong mood swings or withdrawal. A medical check-up cannot take the place of counselling on use, though it is a sensible complement.

If there are indications that the child's welfare is at risk, the Jugendamt can also be a point of contact. There, specialists work with families, support them and arrange help where needed.

National services and information

The Federal Institute for Public Health (BIÖG) provides information for parents on its site cannabispraevention.de, for example on facts about cannabis and recommendations for handling the topic in the family. The Federal Drugs Commissioner also keeps an overview of counselling services. These sites are a good starting point if you first just want to know what is available.

Two nationwide services help by phone. The Sucht & Drogen Hotline (01806 313031) can be reached daily from 8 a.m. to midnight and charges a fee. The Elterntelefon of Nummer gegen Kummer (0800 111 0 550) is anonymous and free of charge. It advises on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Phone numbers change occasionally, so check them on the website of the service before you call.

What to consider when choosing

• Is the service responsible for relatives, or only for those affected?
• How quickly can you get an appointment, and where does it take place?
• Are costs incurred, and if so, how much?
• How is confidentiality handled?

Good counselling explains how it works. If a service pressures you or promises quick solutions, compare other offers.

What counselling can do for you

Counselling helps you sort out your own feelings. Many parents feel relieved when they are allowed to voice their worries without being judged. In addition, counsellors develop ideas with you for the conversation with your child and show how you can deal with setbacks.

Counselling does not take your decisions away from you. You decide which steps to take. Good counselling supports that decision without making it for you.

Prevention: getting help early

The BIÖG points out that the risks of cannabis are particularly high for young people. Memory can be impaired, and in the worst case the school or vocational qualification is at risk. Anyone who seeks support early can classify problems sooner. The article How does cannabis affect memory and school qualifications? explains the connections in more detail.

Counselling at different stages

Parents often seek counselling in very different situations. Some have only a vague worry, others face a concrete decision after an incident. In the early phase, an assessment helps to judge whether the worry is justified. Later it is more about preparing a conversation or agreeing shared rules.

If the situation worsens, for example with declining performance, withdrawal or repeated use, more intensive support is worthwhile. Ask the service whether it offers talks over a longer period.

Parenting counselling as a supplement

Alongside addiction counselling centres there are parenting counselling services that support families with conflicts and questions of upbringing. They can help when the relationship with the child is strained and cannabis is only part of the problem. Ask in advance whether costs apply.

The two offers can be combined. Often a combination makes sense: addiction counselling clarifies the use, and parenting counselling supports the family situation.

Self-help and exchange among relatives

Groups for relatives give parents the chance to talk with people in similar situations. There it is often easier to say what you do not want to say in the family circle, such as anger or shame. Such groups exist in many regions, although they are not equally strong everywhere.

The Landesstelle für Suchtfragen or an addiction counselling centre can tell you whether there is a group near you. Ask how a first visit works.

Next steps

• Pick out two or three offers and compare them.
• Call and ask for a first appointment for relatives.
• Write down your most important questions before the appointment.

For the first approach to the topic, What should parents do first if they suspect cannabis use? helps. For the conversation with the child, read How do parents raise the topic of cannabis properly?. More information is available in the area Prevention and youth protection.