(Published by The Homoeopathic Heritage, Vol. 49, No. 2, May 2023)
Abstract: Nowadays psycho-active substance use disorders are common lethal conditions; among these, Alcohol is the commonest results into serious medical, psychological and sociological problems. It is legally available and easily accessible substance which may be associated with other risk factors and co-morbidities. The withdrawal symptoms developed after abrupt cessation of alcohol use that has been heavy and prolonged and craving are the factors responsible for addiction and relapses. Homeopathy has its important role to help addicts in taking them out of this mire of alcohol addiction and offers a great help to detox and remove the craving.
Keywords: Alcohol, withdrawal, homoeopathy, psychoactive substances, ethanol
Introduction: Alcohol is the commonest psychoactive substance with dependence producing properties giving rise to numerous health and social consequences and one of the leading cause of death and disability globally(1,2,3,4). The main active ingredient of the alcoholic beverages is Ethanol which is a known central nervous system (CNS) depressant. Alcohol may be classified as a sedative, tranquillizer, hypnotic or anaesthetic depending upon the quantity consumed and its concentration varies across the alcohol preparations (Table 1) (4)
| Table 1. TYPES OF ALCOHOLIC PREPARATIONS(4) | |
| Preparation of Alcohol | Alcohol by volume (%ABV) |
| Beer (Standard) | 3-5 |
| Beer (Strong) | 8-11 |
| Wines | 5-13 |
| Fortified wines | 14-20 |
| Spirits (Whisky/Rum/ Gin/ Vodka/ Brandy etc.) | 38-43 |
Problem statement (5)
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 380 million people are affected worldwide with alcoholism i.e. 5.1% of the total population above 15 years of age. About 14.6% of the Indian population, between 10 and 75 years of age, uses alcohol. The consumption of alcohol is considerably higher among men (27.3%) in comparison to women (1.6%).
Country liquor or ‘desi sharab’ (30%) and spirits or Indian Made Foreign Liquor (about 30%) are the predominantly consumed beverages. States with the highest prevalence of alcohol use are Chhattisgarh, Tripura, Punjab, Arunachal Pradesh and Goa.
Current evidence indicates that alcoholism is 50–60% genetically determined & 40–50% is due to environmental and peer group influences.
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Authors:
- Dr Shweta Singh, MD (Hom.), PhD scholar
Senior Consultant, Orbit Clinics
Senior Research Fellow, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Headquarters, Janak Puri, New Delhi
Medical Director, Muskan Foundation
President: Delhi Homoeopathic Medical Association
Chief Administrator: KHA Homeopathy Study Group, USA
Ex. Assistant Professor, Organon of Medicine Department
- Dr Rekha Juneja, MD (Hom.), Professor, SGNRHMC
Tantia University, Sri Ganganagar