Lower Saxony is fighting addiction: Minister calls for more prevention!

Lower Saxony is fighting addiction: Minister calls for more prevention!

What's going on in Lower Saxony? On the occasion of the day of remembrance for deceased drug users, Lower Saxony's Health Minister Andreas Philippi sent a strong signal for addiction prevention. The numbers are slightly optimistic - this year Lower Saxony has seen a decline in drug deaths to 133, a remarkable turnaround as this is the first decline in five years. Nevertheless, the situation remains tense, particularly due to the increasing use of synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and Nitazene. These substances are not only dangerous, but also have unpredictable effects, especially when combined with other drugs. Philippi therefore calls for greater information about the risks of these chemical agents in order to raise awareness among the population, as the Oldenburger Online Zeitung reports.

The challenges are diverse. As in other federal states, it is clear that the combination of illegal drugs with prescription medications, especially benzodiazepines, is becoming more and more common. Causes of death are often complex and depend on individual circumstances, such as vulnerable phases of life or pre-existing health problems. These findings are not only limited to Lower Saxony, but reflect a general problem that can also be observed in Carinthia, where State Health Councilor Beate Prettner emphasizes the importance of targeted analyzes and measures against new drugs, as can be read on 5min.

Focus on prevention work

The drug problem has been actively combated in Lower Saxony since 1986. 75 specialist centers for addiction and addiction prevention are supported here across the country. The central goals of this prevention work are clearly defined: the consumption of addictive substances should be prevented or at least delayed whenever possible. Addressing young people and adults who show risky behavior patterns is essential.

At the same time, it is crucial that the options for treatment and support are expanded. In 2024, over 4,730 people were cared for in alcohol and drug-specific facilities in Carinthia alone, which is more than 200 more than in the previous year. In addition, the offering in drug outpatient clinics is being expanded. This clearly shows that successful prevention goes hand in hand with improved care.

New risks require new strategies

A central issue is the decline in heroin production. More and more dealers are switching to synthetic opioids, which is exacerbating the situation. New dangerous substances have come onto the market, such as fentanyl and synthetic benzodiazepines, which pose a real threat. This requires quick and flexible action - monitoring and measures such as “drug checking” are essential in order to be able to react to dangerous trends at an early stage.

Various memorial events also take place in Lower Saxony, including in Hanover and Oldenburg, to commemorate the deceased and draw attention to the urgent issue of addiction prevention.

Overall, it shows that even if successes are achieved, such as the reduction in drug-related deaths in Lower Saxony, the issue of addiction and drug prevention must never be pushed into the background. The state of society depends heavily on the ability to overcome these challenges and act accordingly to help vulnerable groups.

The road is long, but with dedicated professionals and a clear focus on prevention and education, perhaps a lot can still be achieved. Let's stay tuned!