Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: Caritas contact shop complains about access to drug substitutes

Rostock (dpa/mv) - The Rostock contact shop of Caritas Addiction Aid pointed out what it believes to be the lack of access to substitute substances for drug addicts.

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: Caritas contact shop complains about access to drug substitutes

Rostock (dpa/mv) - The Rostock contact shop of Caritas Addiction Aid pointed out what it believes to be the lack of access to substitute substances for drug addicts. In Rostock, the situation is precarious as far as so-called substitution offers such as methadone are concerned, said a spokesman for the contact shop on Thursday. There are therefore too few doctors who prescribe substitutes for illegal drugs to enable addicts to lead a regular life. On Thursday there were numerous events in Germany to mark the 25th day of remembrance for drug deaths.

According to its own information, the Caritas addiction aid facility is the only contact shop in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Drug users can find contacts and advice there - anonymously if they wish, they can do their laundry or take a shower. The federal government's drug commissioner, Burkhard Blienert, pointed out the responsibility of the general public: people suffering from addiction should be reached earlier, more easily and more effectively. "We owe you that as a society!" It said in a statement from the Federal Ministry of Health.