The Homeopathic Treatment of Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a complex condition with myriad contributing factors. While homeopathy can address the causes and effects of alcohol consumption, it is not a replacement for therapy or the support of a 12-step program.

Warning

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, "there are hundreds of different homeopathic remedies, which can be prescribed in a variety of different dilutions to treat thousands of symptoms." Self-diagnosis is strongly discouraged. Seek the advice of a professional before taking homeopathic remedies.

Arsenicum Album

This remedy, derived from arsenic, mitigates symptoms of alcohol consumption, like delirium, headache, night sweats and vomiting. It also counters effects of withdrawal, such as anxiety and restlessness.

Nux Vomica

A plant extract, nux vomica, alleviates irritability, sullenness, hypersensitivity to light and noise and difficulty concentrating. Symptoms are better after napping, but worse with food.

Lachesis

Lachesis, a diluted snake venom, treats general malaise that can lead to alcohol cravings. Often, headaches are accompanied by unfocused speech, suspicion and vertigo. Symptoms are worse in the spring and improved by warmth.

Staphysagria

Cravings for alcohol and tobacco, accompanied by dehydration and night sweats, might call for staphisagria, made from seeds of the Deliphinium staphisagria plant. Hypersensitivity, worse after sex and better with rest, is common.

References

• University of Maryland Medical Center: Alcoholism
• National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Homeopathy: An Introduction
• "The Homeopathy Bible: The Definitive Guide to Remedies;" Ambika Wauters; 2007