How long does it take to get an appointment in addiction counselling?

How long you wait for an appointment in addiction counselling depends on the region and the service. A general figure cannot responsibly be given, so this guide does not give one. The most reliable information comes from asking the counselling service directly. If you do not want to wait, you can get in touch with DigiSucht in writing without a waiting time.

Why waiting times can arise

In 2026, the DHS surveyed the funding of addiction counselling for the second time. In 76.9 percent of the responses, funding is not cost-covering or not yet finally settled, and only 12.7 percent assume secure funding. At the same time, according to the DHS, demand for counselling and the complexity of cases are rising, specialists are in short supply, and opening and consultation hours have been shortened in many places. The report gives no waiting times in weeks. It does show, however, why appointments can be scarce. Only the service itself knows whether this applies to the service near you.

How to ask about the waiting time

A short call or message is usually enough. You do not have to explain yourself straight away. You can first ask how the process works. A short list of questions helps you not to forget anything:

• How long does it currently take until the first conversation?
• Is there a waiting list, and how is it managed?
• Are there open consultation hours or short-notice appointments for urgent concerns?
• Which documents or details are needed in advance?

Note the answers and the date. If the situation changes, you can follow up specifically. Services near you can be found in the DHS addiction help directory. The article Where can I find an addiction counselling service for cannabis? explains the search.

When you should not wait

Not every concern can tolerate a waiting time. If you are a danger to yourself or to others, this is an emergency. Then call the emergency number 112 or go to an emergency department. Also in the case of suicidal thoughts or an acute psychological crisis, do not wait for a counselling appointment.

If you are not in an acute crisis but the use is placing a heavy burden on you, speak with your GP. They can assess your situation and refer you on if needed. The article When should you talk to your GP about cannabis? offers a first orientation.

What you can do until the appointment

At DigiSucht, once you have registered, you can write to the counselling service at any time. You do not need an appointment for that. According to the platform, a reply usually comes within a few working days. You need an appointment for text or video chat, telephone or in-person counselling. Such appointments depend on the availability of the counsellors. According to the Federal Drug Commissioner, DigiSucht is free of charge and anonymous.

You can reach the Sucht & Drogen Hotline on 01806 313031. According to the Federal Drug Commissioner, it offers counselling by experienced specialists for people with addiction problems and for relatives, and calls are charged. Self-help groups can also provide support early, because people with similar experiences speak there. For online offers, check beforehand which details you have to provide. The article Is online addiction counselling for cannabis free of charge? answers these questions. If you like writing, you can start a use diary. It helps at the first conversation, because you bring concrete observations with you. More on this is in the article Does a use diary help when quitting cannabis?

How to prepare for the first appointment

As the appointment approaches, a short preparation is worthwhile. Note when and how you use, what reasons you see for it and what has changed. Questions for the counselling service also belong on the list, for example how the counselling works and how long a session lasts. It is best to bring such questions in writing.

If you wonder what happens at the first conversation, the article How does the first conversation in addiction counselling work? describes the process step by step.

If the waiting time is long

If you would have to wait several weeks, you can ask other services at the same time. Counselling services have different focuses, and another service may have a free appointment sooner. Also ask whether you can be put on a waiting list and whether someone moves up when appointments are cancelled.

If you have already been offered an appointment, confirm it in good time, and cancel early if you cannot attend. That way the service can pass the appointment on to other people.

What you can do now

Call the addiction counselling service near you and ask about the current waiting time. Also ask about open consultation hours and alternatives in case the waiting time is long. If you do not want to wait, send a message to DigiSucht in parallel. If you notice that you cannot manage on your own, speak with your GP. Anyone in a crisis should call the emergency number 112. You can find telephone services in the article Is there telephone counselling about cannabis?