The "substitution-based treatment of opiate addicts" (abbreviated: substitution treatment/substitution) requires the regular prescription and administration of "substitutes drugs" on the basis of section 13 of the Narcotics Act, whereas section 5 of the Narcotic Drugs Prescription Ordinance (BtMVV) regulates the prerequisites in detail. The most important principle is that such "substitution" may not only consist of supplying the required doses of a substitute (not a mere "dose 'n' go" scheme) but that it also has to include a qualified substitution treatment. This also comprises any necessary psychiatric, psychotherapeutic and/or psychosocial measures of treatment and care (principle of comprehensive addiction therapy). This, in turn, requires close co-operation among all persons involved in treatment.