[Pharmacological therapy of an addiction psychiatric patient]

Properly conducted pharmacological therapy is expected to improve the prognosis of both the psychic disturbance and the substance abuse problem. Considering the extent of the problem there is, however, relatively little evidence-based knowledge of pharmacological therapy of an addiction psychiatric patient. Separation of psychiatric therapy from addiction therapy may hamper the realization of coherent pharmacological therapy. Psychosocial forms of therapy, especially motivating talking therapies, constitute the most pivotal part of treatment. In addition to the patient's own aims, the interactions of smoking, drugs and medicines must be considered in the planning of the pharmacological therapy.