Viennese drug help center "checkit!" opens second location in Meidling's U4-Center

Services: Drug Checking and Counseling

The offering continues to include so-called drug checking, in which substances are chemically analyzed. In addition, there is multiprofessional counseling on risks and consumption behavior. "Das Aussehen, der Geruch oder die Konsistenz einer Substanz sagen nichts über ihre tatsächlichen Inhaltsstoffe aus", those responsible emphasized. Samples can be submitted not only at "checkit!" itself, but also at participating pharmacies or selected events.

The head of "checkit!", Bettina Hölblinger, pointed to the preventive nature of the service. "Mit Drug Checking erhalten Menschen verlässliche Informationen und multiprofessionelle Beratung, denn wer die Risiken kennt, kann bessere Entscheidungen treffen", she said, expressing her conviction. Drug coordinator Ewald Lochner also highlighted the importance of expanded access. "Mit dem zusätzlichen Standort erweitern wir unser bewährtes Angebot und ermöglichen einen niederschwelligen Zugang zu Beratung, Information und Risikominimierung", he stated.

Statements from Suchthilfe Wien

The City of Vienna sees itself in a pioneering role with the expansion of drug-checking services. "Wien zählt seit vielen Jahren zu den internationalen Vorreitern im Bereich Drug Checking", it said from Suchthilfe Wien. With services such as drug checking from "checkit!", the focus is intentionally placed on prevention, health protection and harm reduction, those responsible emphasized.

The second location is intended primarily to improve accessibility in Vienna's south and west. The U4-Center in Meidling is a heavily frequented shopping center with a direct connection to the U4 subway line. This also makes the help center easier to reach for those who do not want to or cannot travel to the inner city.

Site Selection and Accessibility

The additional location is funded through the Viennese addiction help system, which coordinates the services of Suchthilfe Wien. The drug coordination office did not provide details on the exact amount of funding or staffing increases in the announcement. Nor were specific figures given for expected usage frequencies at the new location.

The expansion is also a response to a changed substance situation in Europe. The EUDA report points out that ever more new psychoactive substances and cutting agents are coming onto the market, whose active ingredient content and composition are difficult for users to assess. Drug checking is intended to provide reliable data here and, in the best case, prevent dangerous misjudgments.

The services of "checkit!" are explicitly aimed at people who use substances, as well as their personal environments. In addition to substance analysis, the team also offers counseling on safer use, on the risks of polydrug use, and on further support services. If needed, "checkit!" refers people to specialized facilities within addiction help services.

With the second location, "checkit!" is doubling its fixed presence in Vienna. While the Gumpendorfer Straße site will remain as the central help center, the new premises in the Meidling U4-Center are intended to complement the network of pharmacies and events. The Vienna Drug Coordination office aims to noticeably expand the reach of its drug-checking services as a result.