The treatment of alcoholic withdrawal states with oxygen and nitrous oxide.

Chronic alcoholic subjects suffering withdrawal symptoms were treated with 100% oxygen or with oxygen/nitrous oxide. In most cases oxygen alone reversed withdrawal symptoms except, in a few instances, depression. The residual depressive symptoms not reversed by oxygen were completely reversed by nitrous oxide/oxygen. The pathogenesis of alcoholic withdrawal states in the light of the overactivity of the adrenergic system which leads to tissue acidosis is discussed. The importance of correct psychological management is stressed. Our therapy reduced both the period of hospitalization and the amount of sedation required. The similarity between opiate and alcohol withdrawal and treatment is mentioned.