Abstract
Methadone maintenance is an effective treatment for heroin dependence. It has gained importance in Germany only after controversial discussion. The increasing number of heroin addicts in Germany and the observation that only a limited number of addicts were reached by the conventional model of rehabilitation led to a marked increase in the number of substituted patients. However, substitution needs certain treatment standards to be adhered to. Here we present basic rules for substitution according to the literature and deduct treatment standards that may improve overall success and retention rate and may reduce use of additional drugs.