In the years 1994 through 2003 there occurred an increase in the number of patients treated at the Bohnice Psychiatric Hospital, in whom among the first discharge diagnoses were disorders caused by alcohol abuse (increase by 77 %) and other psycho-active substances (more than 4fold increase). An increment also occurred in pathological gambling (by 37 %). In problems caused by alcohol the greatest was in the withdrawal state (roughly 4fold). In problems due to other substances the most rapid increase was in the numbers treated for addiction dependence (almost fivefold). This trend apparently reflects the situation in society at large, however, there also are in play other factors, some of which are pointed out.

        Key words: addiction – treatment – alcohol – psycho-active drugs – gambling – society – psychiatry.