Leipzig's drug aid in crisis: No additional funds approved!

Leipzig's drug aid in crisis: No additional funds approved!

In Leipzig, the Center for Drug Help (ZFD) is on the brink. As the city struggles with serious social problems, financial support for this important institution falls by the wayside. A current report from l-iz.de highlights the worrying developments surrounding drug aid financing.

Unfortunately, Leipzig is not an isolated case: drug problems, combined with poverty and homelessness, affect many cities. The Social Department's fastest-growing spending reflects increasing demand. The latest economic plan for the St. Georg Municipal Hospital, which was approved on December 18th, includes income and expenses of around 36 million euros, but does not include additional funds for the ZFD.

Urgent need for action

How important the ZFD is can be seen in its comprehensive care network, which according to the ZFD website was set up for people suffering from addiction. It offers support for people addicted to legal and illegal drugs, as well as for their relatives. A key aspect is the fact that the demand for medical care in the facility is increasing. For many clients who have been living in the overnight accommodation for two years, there is a lack of alternative housing options.

An essential part of the Green Party's proposal was the establishment of self-employed apartments. Such offers existed before 2014, but were discontinued. A shortage of doctors and construction investments are perceived as cardinal problems. The last request for financial support was rejected by 16:32 votes and nine abstentions, which shows how hard the fight for funds has to be.

A committed network

The addiction prevention working group, another important player in the city, brings together specialists from public institutions and independent providers. This group, as described in a report from leipzig.de, has set itself the goal of advancing addiction prevention in Leipzig and increasing public effectiveness. She works closely with the drug advisory board and develops strategies to combat addictions.

In addition, various ZFD locations, including the addiction counseling and treatment centers, have important tasks. The offerings include not only outpatient aftercare, but also the workshop for wood, ceramics and gardening, which offers opportunities to people at risk of addiction.

With the rejection of additional funding for the ZFD, the question remains as to how the city of Leipzig will deal with the increasing number of people who need support. The challenges are great and without appropriate measures the drug support network could come under further pressure.