Carinthia is investing in addiction prevention: More support for those affected

Carinthia is investing in addiction prevention: More support for those affected

In Carinthia, the fighting of addiction problems is still the focus of the state government. At a recent meeting of the Carinthian addiction forum, it became clear that the need for support is growing. Health officer Beate Prettner underlined the importance of exchange between different organizations in order to be able to better counter this social challenge.

For 2024, the budget provides for an increase in investments to addiction prevention and treatment, from 5.1 to 6.1 million euros. This decision is intended to reflect on the steadily increasing demand for support. Especially in the Diakonie de la Tour's game searches, an increase in the treated cases has become noticeable by about nine percent. There was also a 17 percent increase in relatives who are looking for support. Therefore, a budget increase had to take place in spring.

Expansion of the support offers

Prettner emphasized that the state of Carinthia places great emphasis on the constant expansion of the existing support offers. An example of this is the “Way Out” program, which was specially developed for young people and young adults with substance problems. The rising number of those seeking help has caused the country to also expand the childcare offer. The Oikos association reacted to this development by significantly reproducing the care capacities in its drug consultations and in the cannabis ambulatorium.

In order to meet the needs of young people, 500 additional childcare places were created in the drug outpatient clinics in Klagenfurt and Villach. The consideration of specialized areas has also been reinforced. As part of the addiction forum, Eva Maria Adlmann was also presented as the new head of the prevention and addiction coordination subdivision in the state of Carinthia, while Barbara Drobesch continues to act as a state addiction coordinator.

An important event that will draw attention to the topic is the "search quantity", which takes place on November 26th in the state parliament. The challenges and solutions in the field of addiction prevention and treatment are also being discussed here. This shows the country's commitment to take the problem seriously and to actively search for solutions that meet the increasing demand for support.