Hand in hand against addiction: NDR starts a big charity campaign for the north!

Hand in hand against addiction: NDR starts a big charity campaign for the north!

On December 8, 2025, the NDR charity campaign “Hand in Hand for Northern Germany” will ring its sound waves like a breath of fresh air in the three northern countries. This year everything is under the motto “Life without addiction”. The initiative, which has existed since 2011 and has so far raised over 51 million euros for charitable purposes, focuses in particular on raising awareness of the challenges posed by addictions in society. Buten un Binnen reports on the collaboration with the Paritätischer Gesamtverband, a welfare association that takes care of people in various situations.

The charity campaign is organized in partnership with five northern German regional associations and runs until December 12, 2025. The aim is to achieve broader education about addictions and thus address the sometimes taboo topics in society. NDR director Hendrik Lünenborg highlights the social relevance of addiction and brings in the voice of listeners and viewers: According to a survey by the #NDRfragt community, 92% of respondents see addictions as a major social problem and 86% see them as a taboo topic. Only 24% know about concrete offers of help for addicts NDR.

A holistic approach to problem solving

Paritätischen's addiction help follows a comprehensive approach that, in addition to prevention, also takes into account aftercare and includes both substance-related and behavioral addictions. It is important to promote understanding for people with addiction problems and their families and to reduce prejudices. Because it's not just the addicts themselves who are affected, but also around three million children who grow up in an environment with addicted parents Buten un Binnen.

There is a serious reality behind the numbers: Over eight million adults in Germany struggle with addictions. Estimates show that 1.6 million people are addicted to alcohol. But problematic use of cannabis and illegal drugs also affects around 1.3 million Germans. Furthermore, 1.6 million people endanger their health through risky drug consumption Federal Ministry of Health. Education and comprehensive treatment options are therefore essential.

Together for the future

The initiators of the charity campaign encourage citizens to actively help and make donations, 100% of which will benefit the regional associations of the Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband. A donation account has been set up and will remain open until January 30, 2026. The amount collected will be announced in February 2026. Digital addiction counseling is also being developed under the motto “Life without addiction”, which will be financed in the federal states from January 1, 2024. This platform is intended to provide a central contact point for those affected NDR.

The charity campaign “Hand in Hand for Northern Germany” stands for joint action against a serious social problem. Let's come together and take a step in the right direction - towards a life without addiction!