It is unquestionable the importance of a consultation turned on the treatment of the most frequent substance dependence existing in our country, culturally “intoxicated” by the myths and traditions about alcohol intake.

In alcohol-dependent patients that have no severe signs of withdrawal, detoxication can be safely and effectively undertaken in ambulatory setting.

In this study, the authors intended to evaluate the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of 115 individuals followed in Alcohol Dependence Clinic, in the past four years. Data were collected from their clinical registries.

Patients were referred to this consultation exclusively for alcohol detoxication program, in their majority (81,4%).

Most remarkable characteristics that define a socio-demographic profile of the studied population are: masculine gender (80,9%), mean age of 46,15 ± 10,6, without permanent occupation (57,7%) and from low socio-economical level (Classes III and IV of Graffar modified Score: 93,5%). Alcohol consumption pattern was most frequently the Cloninger's type II (53,2%), the most consumed beverage was wine (85,0%), with 52,1% of patients having the first consumptions during adolescence. In 69,2%, there was a positive familiar history of alcohol dependence.

On the topic of psychopharmacological treatment, there was the obvious use of benzodiazepines, being the tiapride the second most prescribed medicine (71,7%).

After a six moths follow-up, most patients presented reduction in consumptions of alcohol (54,7%).

This investigation may contribute to a qualitative improvement of care to alcohol-dependent patients witch seek treatment and, eventually, to the future design of guidelines for referral and management of this individuals.