Abstract:
Background: Alcohol dependence is a common social problem which may be
associated with other risk factors and co‑morbidities. Abrupt cessation of alcohol intake
may provoke an acute alcohol withdrawal phase with varying degrees of signs and
symptoms. In conventional medical system, specific pharmacological interventions are
used for management of Acute Alcohol Withdrawal (AAW). There exists a need to
explore safe and holistic treatment of AAW. The present work reports the results of
a prospective, observational, exploratory, multicentre trial (2008–2011) to assess the
role of Homoeopathy in AAW.
Materials and Methods: Individualised Homoeopathy was given to 112 patients
reporting with AAW. The clinical assessment was done for 05 days using Clinical
Institute Withdrawal Assessment Scale of Alcohol‑Revised (CIWA‑Ar). Post‑withdrawal
phase, quality of life of patients was assessed at end of 01st, 03rd and 06th month using
World Health Organisation quality of life (WHOQOL)‑ BREF.
Results and Analysis: There was a significant decrease in CIWA‑Ar mean scores and
increase in quality of life score (P < 0.001). The most common remedies used were
Arsenicum album, Lycopodium clavatum, Belladonna, Nux vomica and Pulsatilla.
Conclusion: The results of current observational pilot study suggest the promising use
of Homoeopathy in the management of acute alcohol withdrawal. Further studies with
large sample size and rigorous design are warranted.
