The acute and post acute treatment of alcohol dependence consists of an individual combination of outpatient, day care or inpatient therapy approaches, including medical advice, motivational intervention, qualified detoxification, and psychotherapeutic and pharmacological relapse prevention treatment. Using these therapy approaches abstinence rates of 60-70% over 1 year can be achieved. In addition to a sufficient diagnostic assessment the practitioner applies motivational interview techniques as well as knowledge on effective therapeutic measures of outpatient and inpatient detoxification, pharmacological relapse prevention and the referral to a rehabilitation facility.