[Tiapride in acute stages of drug addiction].

We studied the effect of tiapride on alcoholic and drug-dependent inpatients. In both the treatment was initiated at a time of acute intoxication. Tiapride was perfectly tolerated and we recorded none of the side effects seen with neuroleptics. The method of administration (continuous intravenous infusion) together with the mild sedative effect prompted the regressive response which is a necessary step before the subsequent reconstructive phase. The unquestionable though not overpowering sedative effect gives the patient a feeling of comfort and allows him to participate actively in the treatment. The second original characteristic of tiapride is that it's anxiolytic effect is mild, with the drawback of leaving anxiety and insomnia unalleviated. But this treatment has a novel advantage in that it does not induce any drug dependency, even secondarily.