How does mindzone's online drug counseling work?
The online drug counseling service from mindzone works through a platform on the internet. You book an appointment for a one-to-one chat, speak with a specialist and decide yourself what you tell them. According to the offer, the counseling is confidential, anonymous and free of charge. This article explains who can use the service, what the process looks like and where the limits lie.
Who the offer is for
mindzone is aimed at people who are seeking help. This includes people who use substances, people affected by use, and friends and relatives. The offer is part of mindzone's web-based counseling on recreational and party drugs. According to mindzone, it is aimed primarily at people seeking advice, especially those affected and their relatives. Even if you are worried about another person, you can use it. For general questions, there is a contact address by email.
The topics cover a wide range. They include the effects and risks of psychoactive substances, patterns of use, and dependence or addiction. If you are unsure whether your concern fits, simply write a short message about what it is about.
Who counsels you
According to the website, the team consists of experienced social educators. The counseling is aimed at people who are seeking help. In the chat, you decide yourself what you tell.
What a chat appointment involves
Online and chat counseling runs through a secure platform. The site describes a data connection with SSL encryption. For chats, you book the appointment through the platform. Chat appointments are updated continuously and announced in advance. Plan enough time before you choose an appointment.
- Check which chat appointments are free on the platform.
- Book a free chat appointment through the platform.
- Prepare a short note with what you want to discuss.
- Attend the appointment and ask again if something remains unclear.
The article How do I prepare for the first counseling session? shows how to prepare for first contact. The checklist also works for chats.
Confidential and anonymous
The site describes the counseling as online, confidential, anonymous and free of charge. For data protection reasons, the counseling is anonymous. You do not have to give an email address. If you do give a name or address, that is your own decision. More on this topic is in the article Does the conversation in addiction counseling stay confidential?
Costs and availability
According to the offer, the counseling is free of charge. You therefore pay nothing for the chat appointment. For general questions, you can get in touch by email through the contact address on the website. Requests should be answered within 2 working days. This figure refers to the reply to a request, not to a fixed chat appointment. If you need a particular time slot, check the available appointments in good time.
Where online counseling reaches its limits
Online counseling does not replace an emergency call. If life or health is acutely at risk, it is not the right route. In the case of respiratory arrest, unconsciousness or a seizure, call the emergency number 112 straight away. The page on drug emergencies describes warning signs and first steps, but it does not replace a first-aid course.
For physical complaints, a doctor should always check. A chat can help with understanding, but it does not replace an examination. The article When is online counseling not enough and local help is needed? describes these limits in more detail.
What online counseling offers you
Online counseling saves travel and can be used from home. In a chat, some people find it easier to raise difficult topics. According to mindzone, the team advises on the effects and risks of psychoactive substances and helps with questions about patterns of use and dependence.
When in-person counseling is a better fit
Some people would rather speak in person. In that case, the search in the DHS addiction help directory helps. There you can filter by postal code, town and radius. Which form suits you better depends on your situation. The article Online counseling or a local counseling service: what suits you? compares both routes.
Topics of counseling
According to mindzone, the topics include the effects and risks of psychoactive substances, as well as patterns of use and dependence. Write a short message about what it is about, so the team can judge whether your concern fits.
Tips for the chat
Clear preparation makes the appointment more productive. These points help:
- At the start, write in two sentences what it is about.
- Say openly if you do not understand something or need a break.
- Note the most important recommendations during the chat.
- At the end, ask how things continue and whether a follow-up appointment makes sense.
If you cannot keep an appointment, let them know in good time so that the slot can be freed up. A short message through the contact address is usually enough.
What you can do now
- Check whether your concern suits online counseling.
- Prepare a note with what you want to discuss.
- Book a chat appointment through the platform.
- Use the contact address for questions that are still open before the appointment.
For a phone call, you can reach the Sucht & Drogen Hotline on 01806 313031. In an acute emergency, call 112.
Frequently asked questions
Is mindzone's online drug counseling free and anonymous?
According to the website, the counseling is online, confidential, anonymous and free of charge. You do not have to give an email address. You book chat appointments through the platform. Requests should be answered within 2 working days. Online counseling is not meant for acute emergencies. In those, call 112.