Dear friends and colleagues,

on behalf of the International Society of Addiction Medicine, the University of Hamburg, and the Academic Teaching Hospital Itzehoe, we welcome you to the XXVII ISAM Congress in Hamburg, Germany. We chose ‘Addiction Medicine – think globally, act locally’ as congress topic. We would like to encourage addiction specialists from all around the world to share their approaches and experiences with the congress attendees. We believe that discussing diverse backgrounds can enrich the perspectives on addiction in different cultural settings. The ISAM Congress and the renowned Hamburger Suchttherapietage, a German addiction congress, will take place at the same time.

Hamburg represents the perfect location. With 1.8 million inhabitants it is the second largest city in Germany with a long maritime tradition as trade city open to people from all over the world.

Also in terms of addiction research and treatment, Hamburg is outstanding. The University of Hamburg led the German trial for heroin-assisted treatment for Germany, which led to authorization of heroin as regular medication. Many other trials followed.

The XXVII ISAM congress will take place in the historical buildings of the University of Hamburg. The Alster lake and the inner city are nearby, as well as a variety of accommodation facilities in walking distance.

A warm welcome from