The development of research, clinical practice and prevention in addiction medicine is, compared to other disciplines, more influenced by socio-political factors. Research on psychedelics has thus long been hampered by prohibitive policy but has recently been revived thanks to the relaxation of these political positions. The extensive prescription of baclofen for alcohol addiction is mainly the consequence of popular support and has so far not been clearly supported by specific research. The aim of the new Gambling Act was to harmonize the regulatory provisions for lotteries and betting on the one hand and casino gambling on the other, while at the same time opening up the market for online gambling.