Berlin’s anything-goes attitude and reputation has made it the most permissive city in the already permissive German culture. For an addict, Berlin can be full of landmines. Alcohol is available around the clock and it’s a cultural no-no to tell someone they’ve had enough. Marijuana has been decriminalised and almost any drug can be scored at certain subway stops and in well-known parks. If you like to gamble, legal bookies are everywhere and the city has more than one casino.

But it’s also easy to find help. Berlin has a broad, government-sponsored safety net with plenty of addiction-resistance centres. The full gamut of anonymous 12 step groups meets at least once a week in English. If that’s not enough, the city also has inpatient and outpatient treatment centres. If you think you’ve got a problem, let your family doctor know, or call a 24 hour helpline such as the Drogennotdienst (030 19237) and you’ll get plenty of help.