Ayurvedic management of Alcohol Withdrawal: A Case Study

Abstract

Introduction: Hazardous alcohol use accounts for 5.1% of the global disease burden, with 7.1% in males and 2.2% in females. Chronic alcohol consumption is associated with liver diseases such as fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis, as well as other health issues like pancreatitis, gastrointestinal disorders, malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, and cancer. Withdrawal symptoms often accompany cessation. In Ayurvedic medicine, effective treatments for alcoholism and withdrawal symptoms (Madatyaya) are well-documented. Main clinical findings: In this case a 32 yrs old male patient presented with symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, nausea, restlessness, depression, headache and discomfort persisting for a duration of 15 days. The individual had developed a chronic dependency on alcohol over a span of 8 years, but ceased its usage 2 months ago as a result of concurrent health concerns. Currently, he is manifesting these symptoms as withdrawal symptoms. Diagnosis: Patient was diagnosed with Alcohol withdrawal syndrome.  Intervention: The patient had ayurvedic treatment including meditation, counselling, and the use of Kharjuradi mantha, Drakshasava, Sutashekhar rasa, Phalatrikadi kwath and Medhya yoga. Outcome: With improvement in the signs and symptoms of alcoholism, this therapy strategy aims to improve the patient's condition.