Encouragement for addicts: Stories from Schwäbisch Gmünd that move you!

Encouragement for addicts: Stories from Schwäbisch Gmünd that move you!

More and more people have won the fight against addiction. This is impressively demonstrated by the “O-Ton Addiction” project run by the Diakonie in Schwäbisch Gmünd, which is committed to giving addicts a voice. Six affected people tell their personal stories in videos and encourage others to take the step to help. Jürgen von der Ostalb, who has lived alcohol-free for over 25 years, is one of them. He talks about his isolating time in the final stages of his addiction and the touching moment when his granddaughter asked him about the smell of alcohol and motivated him to go to therapy. [SWR] reports that such authentic stories are intended to help reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and draw attention to the reality of addiction in the Ostalbkreis.

The addiction therapist Nikolas Danzinger emphasizes how important it is to talk openly about addiction and to share the experiences of those affected. “O-Ton Addiction” complements Diakonie’s free “Frei” therapy offer and gives not only those affected, but also their relatives, the opportunity to present their perspective. The voices of friends and family who have experienced the challenges of addiction first hand can also be heard in the videos.

Statistics and support

The problem of addiction cannot be missed. According to the drug and addiction report, around 110,000 people in Germany die every year as a result of tobacco consumption and 74,000 die from harmful alcohol consumption. These alarming figures make it clear how urgently education and prevention are needed. In the Ostalbkreis, a counseling center is actively involved in the area of ​​addiction prevention and offers lectures, seminars, workshops and coaching. Not only is the population educated here, but targeted support is also offered to companies, schools and other institutions in order to promote preventative measures. [Sozialberatung Gmünd] describes the goals of these offers: to make society healthier and increase the quality of life.

A look at the 2018 Epidemiological Addiction Survey shows that young adults between the ages of 18 and 64 are particularly affected. There is also increasing talk about the dangers of medications with increased potential for abuse, including painkillers and antidepressants. This makes the topic of addiction even more multifaceted and requires a committed and multi-layered approach.

A look into the future

Jürgen, who is now active in self-help groups and speaks about his experiences at schools, shows that help is possible and that the way back to life can be successful. His story is not only inspiring, it should also give you courage. “I have to give up alcohol to avoid relapses, but I live a full life as a great-grandpa,” he says proudly. The “O-Ton Addiction” project is the perfect example of how important it is to talk about addiction and offer support. It's time for others to look for similar paths and change their lives.

In summary, dealing with addiction is a serious social problem, but one that can be addressed with a strong network of advice and support services. Telling the stories of those affected not only increases understanding, but also paves a way for others caught in the shadowy world of addiction.