Rostock in need: Addiction help at risk due to budget blockage!

Rostock in need: Addiction help at risk due to budget blockage!

In Rostock, a worrying picture emerges for addiction help. A budget freeze, which was imposed due to the city's tense financial situation, is having a major impact on the services offered by social providers. In particular, institutions such as Caritas, Diakonie and Volkssolidarität are under pressure, which cannot remain inactive given the increasing number of people seeking help. The current situation not only endangers existing offers, but could also lead to the closure of advice centers. Clara Evers-Zimmer, head of addiction support at the Caritas Association, is alarmed about the possible closure of one of her counseling centers. This would not only mean the loss of a contact point for those affected, but would also jeopardize comprehensive care in the region.

The concerns also include popular solidarity and Protestant addiction counseling, which are also worried about their services. In a social committee, Social Senator Steffen Bockhan explained that savings were necessary due to the city's strained budget situation. He reported significant losses of income, which could significantly limit financial support for social projects. Birgit Grämke, from the state coordination center for addiction issues in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, emphasizes the negative effects on those seeking help. “Fewer counseling staff inevitably leads to a decline in the number of people seeking help,” says Grämke.

Increasing demand for addiction counseling

A seriously alarming trend can be seen in the numbers: in 2024, around 1,923 people in Rostock sought support for addiction problems - that's 70 more than in the previous year. This increasing number highlights the urgent need for preventative and rehabilitative measures. A well-functioning addiction support system that has only developed since the mid-19th century is now in jeopardy. A variety of support services that address the different needs of people with addiction problems could be threatened by the cuts if the responsible authorities do not react accordingly.

In addition to advice, preventive measures and self-help groups are also of central importance. These not only offer support, but also space for exchange and solidarity among those affected. Loud dhs.de In principle, help is available to all people with addiction problems, even if some offers are subject to a fee and approval from health insurance companies is required. For sustainable and forward-looking planning of addiction prevention, the experts are calling for a clear strategy from the city in order to secure both current and future supply.

The opportunity for open consultation hours that Caritas offers in various cities shows how important it is to have easy access to offers of help. In times when support is needed more urgently than ever, it must be ensured that such offers continue to exist. A call for shared responsibility and action is now required to avoid the negative consequences of budget cuts in relation to addiction support.