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. ISO 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.