The initial management of alcoholism using oxygen and nitrous oxide: a transcultural study.
This study confirms the value of analgesic nitrous oxide/oxygen therapy for initial management of alcoholism in a mainly rural cohort. The gas administration at no time impairs consciousness. 150 consecutive patients, mainly of Zulu origin (of both sexes) suffering from chronic alcoholism were treated with nitrous oxide/oxygen mixtures. The majority of patients showed significant and extremely rapid improvement, which was maintained and resulted in early entry into the rehabilitation programme. This method resulted in a considerable reduction in addictive sedative benzodiazepine medication during their hospital stay. The treatment also provided relief from craving. I conclude that the incorporation of this therapy into the management of chronic alcoholism is a useful, safe and effective adjunct without adverse side effects.
Daynes
G
G
Madadeni Hospital, Kwazulu, Natal, South Africa.
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000328:Adult; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D000431:Ethanol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009609:Nitrous Oxide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; D013019:South Africa; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000431:Ethanol; D009609:Nitrous Oxide