Lower Saxony fights for addiction: Minister demands more prevention!

Lower Saxony fights for addiction: Minister demands more prevention!

What's in Lower Saxony? On the occasion of the memorial day for deceased drug use, Lower Saxony's Minister of Health Andreas Philippi sent a strong signal for addiction prevention. The figures are slightly optimistic - in the current year Lower Saxony has a decline in drug -related deaths to 133, a remarkable turn, as this is the first decline in five years. Nevertheless, the situation remains tense, especially due to the increasing consumption of synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and nitazine. These substances are not only dangerous, but also have unpredictable effects, especially in combination with other drugs. Philippi therefore warns about the risks of these chemical active ingredients in order to raise awareness of the population, as the Oldenburger Online Zeitung reports.

The challenges are diverse. As in other federal states, it can be seen that the combination of illegal drugs with prescription drugs, especially benzodiazepines, occurs more and more. The causes of death are often complex and dependent on individual circumstances such as vulnerable life phases or existing health problems. These findings are not only limited to Lower Saxony, but also reflect a general problem that can also be observed in Carinthia, where Health Councilor Beate Prettner emphasizes how important targeted analyzes and measures against new drugs are to be read.

prevention work in the focus

in Lower Saxony has been actively fighting the drug problem since 1986. 75 specialist offices for addiction and addiction prevention are promoted nationwide. The central goals of this prevention work are clearly defined: the consumption of addictive substances should be prevented, prevented or at least delayed whenever possible. The address of young people and adults who show risky behavior patterns is of essential importance.

At the same time, it is crucial that the possibilities for treatment and support are also expanded. In 2024, over 4,730 people were looked after in alcohol and drug-specific institutions in Carinthia alone, which is more than 200 more than in the previous year. In addition, the offer is expanded in drug ambulatories. This clearly shows that successful prevention goes hand in hand with improved care.

require new risks new strategies

A central topic is the decline in heroin production. More and more traders are switching to synthetic opioids, which exacerbates the situation. New dangerous substances have come onto the market, such as fentanyl and synthetic benzodiazepines, which represent a real threat. This requires quick and flexible action - monitoring and measures such as "Drug checking" are indispensable in order to be able to react early to dangerous trends.

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

Overall, it can be seen that even if successes are achieved, such as the decline in drug -related deaths in Lower Saxony, the topic of addiction and drug prevention must never be pushed into the background. The condition of society strongly depends on the ability to master these challenges and act accordingly in order to help endangered groups.

The path is long, but with committed experts and a clear focus on prevention and education, a lot can still be achieved. Let's stay on the ball!