Matthias Dürlich from Miesbacher Caritas explains in an interview how addiction counseling works.
Inquiries to the charity have increased slightly recently.
Miesbach -
short-time work, blocking contacts, losing one's job - the effects of the corona burden many people.
This is also noticed by the employees of the specialist outpatient clinic for addicts at the Caritas Center Miesbach.
They want to encourage anyone who wants to change their consumer behavior to seek advice.
Matthias Dürlich explains in an interview what this help looks like.
Mr. Dürlich, the corona pandemic is a major burden for many people. Do you notice that in the addiction clinic?
Dürlich:
We are seeing a slight increase in inquiries, but it is actually not very large.
But what we are already noticing is that people are addressing personal burdens that are related to Corona.
For example, the lack of contacts that they miss being able to meet people.
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Matthias Dürlich
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Do those seeking help approach you on their own initiative?
Dürlich:
It
varies
.
Some make contact because they themselves notice that their consumption of alcohol or other drugs is becoming too much.
For some, the loss of their driver's license is the trigger to call us.
Others are approached about their addictive behavior by the doctor, family members or friends.
The most common addictive substances are?
Dürlich:
A large area is alcohol, then cannabis and other intoxicants.
And what is developing a lot right now is media addiction.
Is called?
Dürlich:
Internet and games of chance play a role - we notice that especially in our parenting courses.
In the past, cigarettes were the number one topic, today the dispute in families revolves mainly around smartphones and games.
How much can my child consume?
Where are the limits?
These are the questions that concern the parents.
A development that is difficult for parents to control ...
Dürlich:
Yes, and the lockdowns due to Corona are exacerbating this development.
School lessons often take place online, children and young people are not allowed to meet and are often at home.
This of course promotes consumption.
Media addiction is an important task for the future.
How can you help people who come to you?
Dürlich:
The basis for everything else is to precisely clarify the goal.
Is it about reducing or quitting?
What does the person concerned want?
We ask about the history, the course of the addictive behavior.
On this basis, we can coach the implementation.
Do you offer therapy directly?
Dürlich:
Yes, we carry out outpatient addiction treatment ourselves, but we can also
refer you
to a specialist clinic.
A person's addiction also affects relatives. Are they also allowed to contact your advice center?
Dürlich:
Of course.
We are also the point of contact for family members, parents, children, siblings and friends.
There is also a family group in Holzkirchen.
The interview was conducted by Christine Merk.
Contact:
Caritas Center Miesbach, Specialist Outpatient Clinic for Addiction Diseases, Franz- and Johann-Wallach-Strasse 12, Telephone 0 80 25/28 06 60;
Email: fachambulanz-mb@caritasmuenchen.de.