[Treatment of drug dependent patients in general practice]

After a brief characterization of the actual situation of drug abuse in Switzerland, the general principles of methadone treatment and drug-assisted ambulant withdrawal in the family practice are introduced. They are suited for patients who mainly consume heroin and have a fairly stable social background. Both forms of treatment can very well be offered and carried through by general practitioners, if there is a clear agreement between the patient and the doctor about the therapeutic setting and guidelines. In every case close psychosocial support over a longer time span must be part of the treatment. For this longterm treatment, the continuous relationship with the general practitioner is ideal.