Man and woman embracing. They are sitting in a room, clearly in a circle with several other patients. A woman is sitting in the background looking over at the couple and smiling.

Managing addiction

In Germany, about 20 percent of adults drink more than the recommended amount of alcohol. But how many glasses of wine or beer per week are okay? And what classes as alcohol dependence? This topic area looks at these and other questions about addiction and dependence, including how to identify and manage these in order to lead a healthier, happier life once more.

A packet of pills is passed from one person to another.

Illegal drugs and drug addiction

Many drugs have a brief positive effect on mood and feelings of well-being. However, regular use can have severe mental and physical consequences.

A woman standing at a window holding a cigarette in her hand and exhaling smoke.

Smoking and quitting

Smoking is unhealthy. Among other things, it increases the risk for infectious diseases and many types of cancer and negatively impacts physical fitness and the cardiovascular system.

A man playing a gambling game on a computer.

Gambling addiction (pathological gambling)

People with a gambling addiction are unable to stop gambling. However, a gambling addiction can be treated. It is important for those affected to understand their condition.

Managing addiction with a self-help group

Most people with an addiction find it difficult to live without the substance or behavior to which they are addicted. Self-help groups offer support from people with similar experiences.

E-cigarettes: not a good alternative to tobacco smoking

More and more people are trying e-cigarettes as an alternative to tobacco smoking. But are e-cigarettes really less harmful?

Round pills with symbols including hearts, stars and smiley faces.

Legal highs – designer drugs that are actually illegal

Legal highs or new psychoactive substances are designer drugs that usually mimic well-known illegal drugs. Read on to discover the associated risks and the legislation that bans them.

Blurred bottles and glasses can be seen on a table. A person lies next to them asleep.

Alcohol poisoning (acute alcohol intoxication)

Alcohol poisoning primarily becomes apparent through impaired consciousness. Discover when drunkenness becomes an emergency.

Close-up: young woman shaking several tablets from a large box of medication into her open palm.

Medical drug abuse and dependency

Medical drug abuse and dependency is common in Germany. Read here about how it happens and what can be done to prevent it.

Young woman sitting on the sofa in semi-darkness. She is holding a mobile phone close to her face and looking at the screen with concentration. Her face is illuminated by the bluish light of the display.

Online addiction

How many people tend to use the internet excessively? At which point can it be called being addicted, and how can dependency be avoided? This article answers these questions and others.

Alcohol: man sitting alone in a bar resting both arms on the wooden counter holding a beer glass in his hand and looking into the glass.

Alcohol and alcohol dependence

Beer, wine, champagne, or spirits – for many, alcohol is part of daily life. Many people would like to change their drinking habits – but this is not always easy to do.