[Psychopathology of drug dependent patients following detoxification]

Abuse of and dependence on drugs are harmful both to the individual and society. The earlier treatment is initiated the better for the patient. Acute treatment is applied on an inpatient basis and involves detoxification and a careful diagnostic work-up conducted in the sober patient. On the basis of an analysis of the patients seen in a single year at a forensic hospital, psychiatric disorders, the sequelae of dependence and organic brain disturbances are described. Addicts with accompanying neuropsychiatric diseases or mental disorders caused by a direct toxic effect or indirectly (e.g. as a result of an accident) are often not capable of taking part in rehabilitation programs for "uncomplicated" addicts. Measures aimed at the prevention of addiction must be intensified.