A European perspective: Learn more about LWL’s cross-border work in the field of addiction.
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Addiction Knows No Borders
Our European Engagement at the LWL Coordination Office for Addiction Issues
We work together across Europe to share knowledge, strengthen cooperation, and develop innovative solutions for effective addiction prevention.
We are Europe!
Why European Cooperation?
The LWL-Coordination Office for Addiction Issues works across Europe to develop innovative approaches in addiction prevention and support. Through projects such as Make the Difference or FreD goes net, professionals in Westphalia-Lippe directly benefit from European expert exchange, training opportunities, and new materials.
In a globalised world with complex challenges, we need solutions that go beyond national borders. European practice projects allow us to develop efficient solutions together and combine the diverse strengths of addiction prevention across Europe. This creates innovative approaches that respond effectively to societal changes.
Our European Network
The euro net Network
For more than 30 years (since 1992), the LWL Coordination Office for Addiction Issues has been active in Europe. In 1996, it co-founded the European Network for Practice-Oriented Addiction Prevention – euro net, which currently includes 17 member organizations from 16 EU member states and Norway. The focus of euro net is on innovation and practical relevance. The LWL Coordination Office is a permanent member of the executive board and helps shape the strategic direction of the network.
Benefits of cooperation within euro net:
- Multidisciplinary expertise, regional specificities, and cultural diversity can be effectively combined.
- Model projects can be developed, applied for, and implemented more successfully together.
- Trends and social changes can be addressed more quickly.
- Innovative projects remain possible even in times of limited resources.
German-Dutch Cooperation
The Netherlands share over 100 kilometres of border with Westphalia-Lippe. Despite being neighbours, there are significant differences between the two countries. For example, cannabis use has been regulated in the Netherlands for many years, but under different legal frameworks and with different structural approaches compared to Germany. Addiction support and prevention are also subject to different regulations and funding models.
Learning from each other: In particular, we can learn a lot from the Netherlands about the use of digital methods. At the same time, the LWL Coordination Office has been able to effectively support Dutch colleagues in the field of early intervention.
A long-established cooperation: German-Dutch cooperation began back in the 1980s with “repatriation support”, which assisted German people with addiction issues returning from the Netherlands to Germany. From 1995 to 2006, cooperation was intensified through BiNaD – Office for Cross-Border Cooperation at the LWL together with Tactus (Twente region). This close partnership continues to this day.
Leaflet (German)
Our European Projects
Make the difference!
Two European projects focused on families with addiction problems. The focus was on the development of binding cooperation agreements between addiction and youth welfare services and the training of professionals.
Localize It!
In the Localize It project, local strategies to reduce underage drinking and binge drinking were developed and implemented in 22 European municipalities.
TANDEM
The project combines addiction and disability support in order to better support people with intellectual disabilities and addiction problems. Evidence-based concepts from the Netherlands were transferred to German conditions and further developed.
Click for Support
Guidelines for effective web-based services for selective addiction prevention
FreD goes Net
The FreD early intervention approach was rolled out across Europe between 2007 and 2010.
Take Care
The TAKE CARE project involved young people, parents, professionals and retailers (multi-level approach) in order to reduce risky consumption and protect minors.
European Workshop Addiction Prevention
European Workshop Addiction Prevention
We regularly organize European Workshops on Addiction Prevention. Research findings and examples of good practice from the participating countries are presented, discussed and documented on a key topic. The results are usually available in print and online.
Marion Hölscher
Contact person for the European work of the LWL-Coordination Office for Addiction Issues & Backoffice euro net
Tel: 0251 591 5994
