This study describes the follow-up of a group of patients treated in an addiction clinic. Some correlates of recovery are assessed. At admission and follow-up moments the patients filled out questionnaires. Initially, 881 patients participated, for the greater part men. Most patients were addicted to alcohol, some to illicit drugs or psychopharmaceuticals. The response rate at follow-up is about 60%. At follow-up a substantial reduction of alcohol and drug use is established, as well as general adjustment. The greatest improvement is seen in those patients who had already been treated in the same addiction clinic before, who show less severe psychopathology and little self-centredness, and have a higher socio-economic status.

Treatment in the so-called Drugfree Therapeutic Community, which a part of the patients entered, turned out to be relatively effective. The generalizibility and the implications of the results are discussed. The need for a careful matching of patients and treatment modalities is stressed.