[Management of alcoholics and other addicts]

Mankind has always been familiar with drugs which change the state of consciousness. For a long time their utilization was of a ritual future. Intake was practised on the occasion of special ceremonies and, therefore, self-limiting. Through the diminution of mysticism, drugs increasingly assumed a pleasure-gratifying character, thereby becoming subjected to abuse. Drug abuse of a time- and/or regionally-restricted nature, can periodically be observed. Alcohol has represented Austria's most prominent and widely abused drug for centuries. Addictive behaviour depends on several factors and, according to specific accentuation, divergent addiction theories have been proposed, all of which, however, essentially concur on the concept that addiction represents a development rather than a disease. It appears strange that the pertinent literature fails to supply detailed information on dosage or intake frequency. The therapist concerned with addiction is, however, called upon to provide an unbiased, precise diagnosis, and an efficacious treatment schedule, which is possible only if basic scientific information on recognition and development of addiction and treatment possibilities is made available.