The compulsory placement program for drug dependents was established in 1969. It provides the courts with an alternative to imprisonment for drug addicts convicted of a criminal offense. The program is designed to assist addicts toward physical health and terminate their psychological and emotional dependence on drugs, followed by reintegration into the community. Since the program's inception, 35,358 drug dependents have received treatment. The length of treatment ranges from a minimum of 2 months to a maximum of 12. Data on the admissions for 1988 cover personal attributes and attainments, family particulars, environmental factors, the addiction process, and criminal history. Information was obtained through personal interviews at admission. A total of 2,318 persons entered the program in 1988, an increase of 14 percent over 1987, but 9 percent lower than the 1986 admissions. Data on personal attributes and attainment cover age at admission, birth place, educational attainment, and occupation. Family particulars include marital status and living arrangements. Environmental factors encompass residential district and type of accommodation. Data on the addiction process address causation and peer association at first drug use, age at first use, drugs used, ingestion method, daily cost, drug procurement by district, and length of drug dependence. 25 tables, 5 figures.