From addiction to advocacy: How one man is changing Vienna's recovery landscape

Bernhard Dechant has turned his battle with alcohol addiction into a mission for change. After overcoming his own struggles, he now speaks openly about recovery and the urgent need for better support. His journey has made him a well-known advocate in Vienna, where he warns that budget cuts could harm vital addiction services.

Dechant's story began with a long wait for treatment—three months before he could access help. That delay, he says, shows how crucial fast intervention is for those fighting addiction.

Dechant's path to sobriety started at the Anton Proksch Institute in Kalksburg, Austria's first addiction treatment centre. Founded in 1953, the institute has grown from a small facility with around 100 beds to a leading national hub with over 200. Over the decades, it expanded its methods, moving from basic detox in the 1950s to modern therapies like cognitive-behavioural treatment and opioid substitution. Today, it treats thousands each year and trains professionals across the country.

For Dechant, the institute marked a turning point. Now four years sober, he reflects on how his life—and his relationship with his daughter—has changed. His experience also fuelled his concern for others facing similar battles. He argues that Vienna's planned budget cuts to addiction services and arts funding ignore the long-term damage they could cause.

Beyond advocacy, Dechant stays active in raising awareness. He is involved in a play about addiction and will tour Germany with support organisations. His work aims to keep the conversation going, reducing the stigma that once surrounded addiction. He believes more openness today helps people seek help sooner—but only if services remain accessible.

Dechant's recovery and activism highlight both progress and ongoing challenges in addiction support. His warning about budget cuts comes as Vienna reviews funding for key services. Meanwhile, his national tour and projects keep the focus on recovery stories—and the need for systems that respond quickly to those in crisis. The Anton Proksch Institute's long history underscores its role in shaping Austria's approach to addiction. Yet, as demand grows, advocates like Dechant stress that maintaining resources is just as critical as breaking the silence.