NEW ASPECTS IN THE TREATMENT OF ALCOHOLIS M

In view of the enormous social costs of alcoholism every alcoholic sho uld be treated. The first goal is prevention before an addictive drink ing behaviour is established. During chronic drinking motivation to de toxication is urgent. A new instrument for the evaluation of the risk of developing a severe withdrawal syndrome is proposed in coming to a decision whether outpatient treatment is possible or not. Based on a n ew assessment scale of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS-scale) ope rationalized strategies of detoxification for inpatients are described in detail, in sobriety clients often complain of craving. Often cravi ng is accounted for a relapse. The first >>anti-craving<< drug Acampro sat has recently be introduced into the German market. The chances and limits of a treatment with the new so-called >>anti-craving<<-drugs a re shortly discussed.