Parliamentary Inquiry Sheds Light on Medical Care and Substitution Therapy for Substance-Abusing Individuals in German Custodial Settings
Berlin, Germany – July 17, 2025 – The German Bundestag today released Printed Matter 21/917, a new “Kleine Anfrage” (Minor Inquiry) that delves into the critical issue of medical care, with a specific focus on substitution therapy, for individuals suffering from addiction within both the forensic psychiatric system (“Maßregelvollzug”) and the general penal system (“Strafvollzug”) across Germany. This parliamentary document, published at 10:00 AM, signals a renewed focus on ensuring adequate and effective treatment for a vulnerable population.
The inquiry, filed by a group of parliamentarians, aims to gather comprehensive data and identify potential areas for improvement in the current healthcare provision for incarcerated individuals with substance use disorders. It is understood that the document will likely pose a series of detailed questions to the relevant federal ministries, seeking information on the current state of medical services, the availability and scope of substitution programs (such as methadone or buprenorphine therapy), and the specific challenges faced by both patients and healthcare professionals within these custodial environments.
Substitution therapy is a cornerstone of modern addiction treatment, recognized for its ability to reduce harm, prevent withdrawal symptoms, and facilitate a more stable path towards recovery. The inclusion of this specific focus within the parliamentary inquiry highlights a recognition of its importance for individuals with substance use disorders, even within the confines of correctional facilities. The “Maßregelvollzug,” specifically, houses individuals who have committed offenses and are undergoing psychiatric treatment, often for severe mental illnesses alongside addiction. Ensuring access to evidence-based addiction treatment, including substitution, is paramount for both their rehabilitation and public safety.
The “Kleine Anfrage” format allows members of parliament to request specific information from the government on important societal issues. The detailed nature of this inquiry suggests a desire for concrete data to inform future policy decisions and potentially advocate for enhanced resources or revised guidelines. It is anticipated that the questions will address aspects such as:
- The number of individuals currently receiving substitution therapy in both penal and forensic settings.
- The types of substitution medications and treatment protocols available.
- The qualifications and availability of medical and therapeutic staff.
- The challenges in providing consistent and high-quality care, including issues related to security protocols, staff training, and the stigmatization of addiction.
- The extent to which current practices align with national and international best practices in addiction medicine.
- Any existing disparities in access to care across different federal states or individual institutions.
The publication of this inquiry by the Bundestag underscores the ongoing societal importance of addressing addiction and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their custodial status, have access to necessary medical care. The responses to these questions are expected to provide valuable insights into the realities of addiction treatment within German correctional facilities and may pave the way for targeted interventions and improvements in the future. Further developments and discussions are anticipated as the government provides its official responses to this significant parliamentary inquiry.
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Drucksachen published ’21/917: Kleine Anfrage Medizinische Versorgung – insbesondere Substitution – suchtkranker Menschen im Maßregelvollzug und Strafvollzug in Deutschland (PDF)’ at 2025-07-17 10:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.