Cannabis remains the second most common reason for addiction counseling

The State Office against the Dangers of Addiction (SLS) in Saxony is observing an increasing trend in problems with cannabis. According to the SLS's 2024 addiction report, the drug was the reason for 14 percent of the cases dealt with in the addiction counseling centers last year.

This puts cannabis in second place, as in the previous year. The number of counseling cases fell by 200 compared to 2023 to around 3,400. However, this development was to be expected due to decriminalization in April 2024. In the long term, the SLS expects the need for support to increase.

Alcohol continues to dominate the addiction statistics

For the addiction report, current data from Saxony's addiction counseling centers, hospitals and social therapy facilities were evaluated. A total of around 46,000 people were supported last year. The addiction counseling centers handled more than 24,500 of these cases. Almost half of the counseling sessions dealt with alcohol problems. Alcohol-related disorders also dominate among the approximately 18,600 inpatients treated, accounting for 72 percent of all addiction diagnoses.

Problems with crystal meth continue to decline with around 3,100 counseling cases and rank third in Saxony with a share of 13 percent. The addiction counseling centers also offer support for relatives and caregivers. This category accounted for 12 percent of cases.

Cuts threaten addiction support in Saxony

According to the press release, the SLS is facing significant cuts due to planned cuts in the Saxon budget for 2025/2026. The state funding for addiction counseling centers is to be reduced by 25 percent despite their effective work. According to the SLS, addiction prevention is on the brink of collapse. For example, the method training courses on cannabis prevention ("The Green Suitcase") are to be cut without replacement.