Das betreuungsprofil der drogenambulanz im wiener allgemeinen krankenhaus unter besonderer berucksichtigung von risikopopulationen

An enhancing number of patients with substance dependence, particularly, illicit drug abuse are representing an increasing problem over the past years. Opioid dependence and the well known chronical duration of this disease requires us to define a new and broader therapeutical approach. An additional problem in the therapy is provided by the increasing number of adolescent addicts. In 1967, the drug addiction out-patient clinic of the University of Psychiatry was constituted, but finally confounded as a separate out-patient clinic in 1982. The drug addiction out-patient clinic is part of a University Hospital which is integrated by the General Hospital of Vienna (AKH), with an availability for 2,205 patients. Our specialized out- patient service provides help for patients who are seeking treatment on an out-patient basis as well as for substance dependent patients who are suffering from a somatic disease and are admitted in the AKH. About 1,300 patients yearly have been seen by the medical staff, with increasing treatment frequencies. In 1995, 7,488 treatment episodes were noticed. The treatment as well as the patients strategies have changed in the past two years. In regard to maintenance programs we are focusing on alternative maintenance therapies. Our main interest is orientated towards high risk populations like HIV-positive, pregnant and adolescent opiate addicts. In 1995, adolescent drug addicts were representing 10.4% of our patients population and 83% of these juvenile subjects met criteria for opioid dependence.