Substance dependence has been called the "Illness of Denial". Many specialists previously considered that, when starting to treat patients with substance dependence, the patients' denial should be defeated, and the patients need to obtain insight into substance dependence. However, recent studies revealed that such confrontational approaches for overcoming denial are less effective than empathic and supportive approaches, since such intervention caused many to drop-out from treatment programs.
 The author has been engaged in clinical practice in an outpatient setting for 10 years. In such clinical experiences, the author actually feels that the approach to patients with substance dependence has been changing to more empathic and supportive, and has attached more importance to a continued therapeutic relationship rather than patients immediately stopping alcohol and drug use.
 This paper addresses the attitudes and approaches in the intake interview for substance-dependent patients, which the author keeps in mind when treating the "Illness of Denial".
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