[Ambulatory detoxification of alcoholic patients. Results of a model project]

At present, institutions in Germany that concern themselves with the detoxification of alcoholics on an outpatient basis are few and far between, despite the fact that such an approach is quite common in other countries such as the USA. Problems are associated both with the careful diagnostic work-up of the patient aimed at assessing possible risks, and with the pharmacotherapy that might be needed. The present article describes a model project, which was initiated in 1998 under the scientific and clinical supervision of the Department of Psychiatry of the University Hospital in Munich. The concept behind the project and the clinical results achieved with the first 47 detoxified patients are presented and discussed.