Anonym Suchthilfe › Addiction help (English) › North Rhine-Westphalia › Cologne

Addiction help in Cologne

28 services are listed in Cologne: Counselling 14, Housing 3, Detox 3, Rehab 3, Clinic 2, Day clinic 1, Drop-in 1, Adaption 1.

Names and addresses stay in German, so you can find them and show them exactly as they are. 🗣️ Language and the first call ↓

Search by postcode and distance (in English) →

🚑 Life-threatening? Call 112 immediately (free, day and night) – for unconsciousness, breathing problems, seizures or suicidal thoughts.

Services in Cologne

💬 Counselling centre 14

Show all 14 in the search (with map and filters) →

🏥 Detox / acute hospital 3

Not every hospital with a detox ward is listed yet – a counselling centre or your doctor knows the right hospital.

🌿 Rehab / addiction treatment 3

🌤️ Day clinic 1

🔑 Adaption (re-entry after rehab) 1

🏠 Supported housing 3

🩺 Clinic / outpatient (other) 2

🧭 Drop-in centre / street work 1

Language and the first call

Little German? Read out or show this sentence on the phone:

Guten Tag. Ich spreche nur wenig Deutsch. Ich brauche Hilfe wegen einer Sucht – für mich oder für einen Angehörigen. Sprechen Sie Englisch? Oder ist ein Gespräch mit Dolmetscher möglich?

Meaning: “Hello. I only speak a little German. I need help with an addiction – for myself or for a relative. Do you speak English? Or is a conversation with an interpreter possible?”

Most services counsel in German. Ask on the phone whether counselling in your language or with an interpreter is possible. The detail pages are in German.

Hide your number: on a mobile phone, type #31# directly before the number – the service will not see your number for this call. You can switch this on permanently in your phone settings (“Caller ID” / “Show my number”).

You don’t have to give your name. Counselling centres are free of charge and bound by confidentiality – also for relatives.

How addiction help works in Germany

  1. Counselling centre (Suchtberatung)The first step. Free and confidential – also for relatives. You do not need a referral. The counselling centre helps with everything that follows, including applications.
  2. Detox (Entgiftung)Physical withdrawal in a hospital, often one to three weeks. Paid by health insurance. Ask your doctor or a counselling centre; in an emergency go straight to a hospital.
  3. Rehab (Entwöhnung)Treatment over several weeks or months – inpatient, as a day clinic or outpatient. Usually paid by the German Pension Insurance, otherwise by health insurance. The counselling centre helps with the application.
  4. Self-help and aftercareSelf-help groups and aftercare support you afterwards – free of charge.

Frequently asked questions

Is addiction counselling in Cologne free?
Yes. Addiction counselling centres in Germany are free and confidential – also for relatives. You do not have to give your name.
Do I have to speak German?
Most services counsel in German. Ask on the phone whether counselling in your language or with an interpreter is possible. The German sentence on this page helps you start the call.
Where can I find addiction counselling in Cologne?
14 counselling centres are listed in Cologne, for example AWG Roggendorf BWS e. V., Aidshilfe Köln e.V. and Blaues Kreuz Diakoniewerk mGmbH Fachstelle Sucht Köln.
Who pays for detox and rehab?
Detox is paid by health insurance. Rehab is usually paid by the German Pension Insurance, otherwise by health insurance. The counselling centre helps with the application.

Addiction help in other places

Bonn 26 kmDüsseldorf 32 kmWuppertal 37 kmKrefeld 51 kmHagen 58 kmBochum 62 kmGelsenkirchen 66 kmDortmund 73 km

🧭 Prefer step-by-step guidance?

The Sucht-Kompass asks you three things and finds suitable help – anonymously. You can write in English.

Sucht-Kompass →

🇩🇪 This page in German · Sources: German addiction services directory (DHS), the rehab list of the German Pension Insurance and our own checks. Details can change – please call before you go.

🆘 Hilfe