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Introducing the LWL Coordination Office for Addiction Issues
The Regional Association of Westphalia-Lippe (LWL) is, alongside municipalities, towns, and districts, part of the local self-government structure in Westphalia-Lippe. It carries out tasks on behalf of its members – the 18 districts and nine independent cities in Westphalia-Lippe – that can be managed more effectively and efficiently at a supra-local level, both professionally and financially. These tasks primarily focus on the areas of social affairs, health, youth, and culture. The LWL is also committed to promoting an inclusive society in all areas of life. It is overseen by a parliament made up of representatives from the member municipalities.
We, the LWL Coordination Office for Addiction Issues (LWL-KS), have been part of the Regional Association of Westphalia-Lippe (LWL) since our founding in 1982. With an active, multiprofessional team made up of experts from social work, education, health sciences, administrative services, and office communication, we flexibly fulfill a diverse range of tasks at a high professional level. We address the increasing consumption of legal and illegal substances, as well as the growing number of people affected by addiction through information, consultation, training, and implementation of innovative model projects. Our services are primarily used by more than 750 addiction support facilities and initiatives in Westphalia-Lippe.
As an advisor and coordinator for addiction support, we are the central contact point for municipalities, specialized institutions, LWL clinics, addiction self-help groups, and committees — especially at the regional level, but also nationally and across Europe. We train professionals, develop practical work aids, provide information on research findings and current legislation, and facilitate municipal addiction support planning.
To date, we have qualified more than 30,000 professionals on addiction topics through recognized, up-to-date, practice-relevant, and cost-effective training and continuing education programs. We train employees in addiction support and related fields, including addiction counselors and social/addiction therapists. Since early 2013, we have held the EFQM “Committed to Excellence” quality seal from the European Foundation for Quality Management and are recognized by the Münster Regional Government as an institution according to § 10 ff of the Employee Further Training Act (AWbG).
The model projects we design and implement serve as a driving force for the further development of addiction, youth, and disability support services and contribute to the differentiation of prevention—not only in Westphalia-Lippe. These model projects are scientifically accompanied and evaluated.
As a service provider for municipalities, towns, districts, and non-profit organizations, we perform voluntary services within the framework of local self-government. We are directly supervised by the members of the Regional Assembly and its specialized committees through parliamentary control.
Our guiding principle is to optimally utilize and continuously develop the existing framework conditions for the social reintegration of individuals affected by addiction or at risk. The experiences gained in this process are used to improve selective and indicated prevention.
Our services
Our 2025 Program
Program 2025
Training Seminars – Certificate Courses – Continuing Education – Working Groups
Our goal is to provide you with practical and well-founded information through our training and continuing education programs, projects, and professional conferences. These are designed to help you offer the best possible support to people affected by addiction. We hope our 2025 program inspires you to participate in our events. We are confident that you will benefit from the content and expand your expertise.
We invite you to explore our program (German).
