Budapest addiction counsellor supplied drugs to patients – young person dies
A 45-year-old addiction counsellor from Budapest has been charged with allegedly selling drugs to his patients. A young patient died in February 2024 after consuming the substances supplied.
A Budapest addiction counsellor sold drugs to his patients
A 45-year-old addiction counsellor has been charged in Budapest after the District Prosecutors' Offices for the XX., XXI. and XXIII. districts of the capital, according to prosecutors, sold drugs to young people who came to him for help – including one patient who lost his life in February 2024 following the substances he consumed. Daily News Hungary reported on the case.
The prosecution is seeking a prison sentence of at least 12 years for the man, and has also recommended a ban from practising his profession and confiscation of assets. The defendant is currently in pre-trial detention, with preparatory hearings scheduled for the end of October.
From social worker to therapeutic worker
According to the charges, the man previously worked as a social worker at an organisation dealing with drug therapy and support for young people. Following completion of a tertiary-level addiction counselling qualification, he was promoted to a therapeutic worker position. Additionally, he also conducted private addiction counselling in the VIII. district, where he saw young people struggling with drug or medication addiction, as well as those in recovery.
Some clients knew him from previous professional contact, while others found him through referral or internet search. According to the prosecution's claims, the counsellor himself began using drugs and provided illegal substances to some of his patients.
Fatality
One case ended in tragedy. The man allegedly sold several types of drugs and a medication to a former patient. In February 2024, the young person consumed the substances and subsequently took additional medications. According to prosecutors, the combined effect of the drugs and medications caused the young person's death. The authorities also claim that after the fatal incident, the counsellor did not stop selling drugs.
Subsequently, he allegedly supplied drugs to a minor who was receiving therapeutic treatment from him at that time – meaning precisely when that person needed professional help for issues related to substance use.
Personal relationship and joint consumption
The case also involves a dispute of a personal nature. According to the prosecution, the counsellor and one of his female patients entered into a romantic relationship, and between 2022 and 2023 consumed ecstasy and amphetamine together on several occasions.
The prosecution emphasises that the man's conduct is fundamentally incompatible with the professional and ethical obligations associated with the role of addiction counsellor and therapeutic worker, particularly with regard to the trust placed in him by vulnerable patients.
Charges and status of proceedings
The man is charged with trafficking in a significant quantity of drugs, reckless endangerment committed in the course of his profession, and further offences. The prosecution is seeking a custodial sentence of at least 12 years, a ban from practising his profession, and confiscation of assets. Pre-trial detention of the defendant has been maintained and the case is ongoing – the 45-year-old man's guilt has not yet been established by a final court judgment.
Source: Daily News Hungary