New mandatory course in alcohol and drug dependence for medical students at the Karolinska Institute.

Traditionally, instruction concerning alcohol and drug dependence has been insignificant in medical schools. The Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, decided to introduce a special course starting in the academic year of 1983-84. It is given 4 times a year and is of a comprehensive nature. It comprises 2 weeks, 1 week of lectures and 1 week of clinical training and is followed by a separate examination. The first 7 courses from the fall of 1983 to the spring of 1985 are described and evaluated here. Evidently, the new course is much appreciated by the students and there is also a marked shift in opinion towards a more positive attitude in coping with these problems.