Help & support in Berlin
Worried about your own use, or about someone you care about? You're not alone. Berlin has many free, confidential and, if you wish, anonymous services.
Most services listed here work mainly in German. Many counsellors also speak English or other languages, so just ask at the start of the call or visit.
Emergencies
| Service | Contact | When? |
|---|---|---|
| Ambulance / emergency doctor | 112 | Danger to life, unconsciousness, breathing problems, seizures |
| Berlin poison centre (Giftnotruf) | 030 19240 | Questions about poisoning, 24/7 |
| Berlin drug crisis service (Drogennotdienst) | 030 19237 | Drug-related crises |
| TelefonSeelsorge (crisis line) | 0800 111 0 111 · 0800 111 0 222 | Emotional crises, free, 24/7 |
Counselling & information
Addiction & Drug Hotline
Nationwide phone counselling (Sucht & Drogen Hotline), 24/7.
01806 313031
charges apply, check landline/mobile rates
Berlin Office for Addiction Prevention
Information, prevention programmes and materials for young people, parents and professionals (Fachstelle für Suchtprävention).
Counselling centres in each district
Every Berlin district has counselling centres (Suchtberatungsstellen) for alcohol, cannabis and other drugs, free and confidential.
Online help
- drugcom.de: information, self-tests and anonymous online counselling (German)
- quit-the-shit.net: free online programme to cut down or stop using cannabis (German)
- infos-cannabis.de: cannabis information, also for parents and professionals (German)
For family and friends
Family members need support too. Counselling centres in Berlin explicitly advise parents, partners and friends as well. An open, non-judgemental conversation is often the best first step.
When is it time to look for help?
- You use more, or more often, than you actually want to.
- You've tried to stop or cut down, without success.
- School, work, relationships or money are suffering.
- You need the substance to feel "normal" or to sleep.
- You feel anxious, low or paranoid after using.
If any of this sounds familiar: counselling doesn't commit you to anything. It helps you make sense of your situation.
We are not a counselling service and don't replace professional help. Our community groups are for exchange; for personal crises, please contact the services above.
Questions? Talk to people in Berlin.
Moderated groups for information, tips and opinions: respectful, free, and no real name needed.
Buying, selling and brokering are strictly prohibited. Read the group rules