[Detoxification from opiates through hospitalization: the long-term results. A longitudinal study of 104 admissions in 1982-1986].

One hundred and four drug addicts admitted to hospital during the period 1982-1986 were studied in order to evaluate whether detoxification from opiates in a protected environment had positive long-term results, namely a definitive rejection of the world of drugs. A follow-up of this population was carried out at the start of the current year and approximately 20% were found to be drug-free. Accumulated experience leads to the conclusion that hospitalisation may have a positive long-term outcome if a subject with proven motivation to "give up" is carefully selected, and if the subject is then inserted in a broader social health project.