[Day clinic treatment of substance-dependent patients]

The authors are of the opinion that not enough use is being made of the possibility to treat patients suffering from various kinds of dependence, in special day hospitals or departments. Two different models are reported: briefly, the possibility of day hospital treatment instead of inpatient care, and in detail the type of treatment practised in Bremen following short-term inpatient treatment. The article describes the indications for admission, course of treatment, and handling of relapses, as well as the results of catamnestic follow-up questioning. The results encourage continuation of day hospital facilities and their increased utilisation.