A 45-year-old addiction counsellor in Budapest has been charged with allegedly supplying drugs to people who were seeking his help, including a patient who later died after taking several substances and medication.
The Budapest District Prosecutor’s Office for Districts XX, XXI and XXIII is seeking a prison sentence of at least 12 years for the man, who worked in drug therapy and addiction counselling. Prosecutors have also requested that he be banned from working in his profession and that his assets be confiscated. The suspect is currently in custody and is due to appear at a preparatory hearing at the end of October.
From drug therapy worker to alleged dealer
According to prosecutors, the man initially worked as a social worker at an organisation providing drug therapy and support for young people. After completing a university-level addiction counselling course, he became a therapeutic worker.
Alongside this work, he provided private addiction counselling in Budapest’s District VIII to young people struggling with drug or prescription medication dependence, as well as those who were in the process of recovering.
Some of his clients had previously encountered him through his professional work, while others reportedly found him through recommendations or online searches. Prosecutors allege that the counsellor later began using drugs himself and started supplying some of his patients with illegal substances, writes 24.hu.
Patient died after taking drugs and medication
One of the cases described by prosecutors ended in tragedy. The man allegedly sold a former patient several types of drugs as well as a medicine. In February 2024, the young person took the substances and subsequently consumed additional medication.
According to the prosecution, the combined effects of the substances and medicines ultimately caused the young person’s death. The authorities allege that the counsellor did not stop supplying drugs after the fatal incident.
Drugs allegedly sold to a minor
Prosecutors say that he later supplied drugs to a minor who was receiving therapy from him at the time. The alleged conduct therefore took place while the young person was supposed to be receiving professional support for issues connected to substance use.
The prosecution considers the alleged behaviour particularly serious because of the man’s professional position and the trust placed in him by vulnerable patients.
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Alleged relationship with another patient
The case also involves an alleged personal relationship between the counsellor and one of his female patients. According to the prosecution, the two were in a relationship and consumed ecstasy and speed together on several occasions in 2022 and 2023.
Prosecutors argue that the man’s conduct was fundamentally incompatible with the professional and ethical responsibilities associated with his role as an addiction counsellor and therapeutic worker.
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At least 12 years in prison sought
The man has been charged with drug trafficking involving a significant quantity of drugs, intentional endangerment committed in the course of his profession, and other offences. The Budapest District Prosecutor’s Office is seeking at least 12 years in prison, along with a ban on practising his profession and the confiscation of his assets.
The defendant remains in custody pending the preparatory hearing scheduled for the end of October. The case is ongoing, the allegations against the 45-year-old have not yet been established by a final court judgment.
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