In 1994, two methadone outpatient treatment departments, providing a combined therapy of substitution and psychosocial care, were set up in Munich. Indication for treatment is established according to the guidelines for new treatment and diagnostic methods (NUB guidelines), focussing mainly on NUB 2.3, on account of the high psychiatric comorbidity. After 1 1/2 years a total of 102 addicts had received treatment. More than half of these patients were then hospitalized for detoxification. Substitution therapy enabled many of these patients to improve their work and home situations. A corresponding reduction in the use of drugs was also observed, especially in the case of opiates. The programme has therefore been successful similar to the results of the substitution study of Hamburg.