Alcohol Withdrawal Support -- Homeopathic Remedies

Withdrawal from the use of alcohol can be a complicated matter. Guidance from a professional can be both physically and emotionally supportive. The following remedies may ease some difficulties during the time that stressful changes are taking place.

Although homeopathic substances listed in this article are generally not known to cause serious side effects, their effectiveness has not been demonstrated by scientific research. Consumers should check labels carefully, since a homeopathic product that is not diluted, or not diluted enough, can contain ingredients that cause allergic reactions, side effects, or interactions. It is always advisable to discuss any new treatment program with your healthcare practitioner.

For dosage information, please read the information at the end of this section. See also “Using Homeopathy With Professional Guidance” in What Is Homeopathy?

Homeopathic Options

If the person is very fearful while going through a withdrawal period, this remedy may be indicated. Intense palpitations may occur, which can make the person even more frightened and anxious.

A person who feels exhausted and extremely chilly, yet is driven by anxiety to move restlessly from place to place, may benefit from this remedy. A person who needs Arsenicum may also be obsessive about small details and feel afraid to be alone.

This remedy may be helpful during the withdrawal process, especially for individuals who feel disgusted with themselves, believe they have failed in life, or have become depressed and hopeless. Serious, work-oriented people who have turned to alcohol or other addictive substances as an outlet of tension are especially likely to respond to Aurum.

When withdrawal symptoms include fatigue and faintness, with a lot of gas and belching, this remedy can bring relief. The person may feel weak and very cold (especially in the extremities), yet still has a desperate craving for fresh or moving air. This remedy is often helpful for regaining energy after long-term illnesses or health problems.

If a person is hypersensitive, and finds discomfort unbearable to the point of seeming irritable and angry, this remedy may help. The person will feel worse from heat and worse at night. Relief from motion, especially vigorous rocking, is a strong indication for Chamomilla.

This remedy is often helpful when a person's mind is active and excitable. Sleeplessness is a common problem. The person is very sensitive to noise or any distraction. Neuralgic pains or headaches can occur, and may be soothed by cold applications.

A person who needs this remedy is nervous, irritable, impatient, easily offended, and oversensitive to light, noise, touch, and odors. Chilliness, cramps, and digestive upsets, with an urge to vomit or move the bowels (with limited results) are other indications. Nux vomica is known for its beneficial effects on conditions-acute or chronic-related to overuse of alcohol and drugs.

This remedy may be helpful to a person who has had an abusive relationship or childhood, with deeply suppressed emotions, and has subsequently turned to alcohol. Habitually meek and mild-natured, and very sensitive to humiliation or embarrassment, the person may have started letting the anger out-to the point of throwing things or flying into rages. Staphysagria may help a person stay in balance without suppressing feelings.

Dosage

Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually printed on the label.

Many homeopathic physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take one dose and wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient.

If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy.

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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires February 2010.