Rage of a Dipsomaniac
NATIONAL JOURNAL OF HOMOEOPATHY 2001 Nov / Dec VOL III NO 6.
Dr Rashmi Nagar
'Anac / Tub-b

This is a case of a 46 yr old mill worker whom I treated successfully without seeing in person through his daughter who is my compunder. The 18 yr old daughter is a nice, mature girl like her mother but her father, KK, is a difficult man to live with.

Mr K K born in 1942, is a dipsomaniac since the age of 17 yrs. His habits started early and became worse in 1962, when he came to Mumbai from his village in search of a job. His wife is meek and docile.

His 4 children - 3 sons and 1 daughter - died of premature birth. 10 years after that, 2 children were born normal and they survived. But by now his alcohol intake had increased dangerously. Many a times he was warned by the doctors to stop drinking, but to no avail. The family members had also given up on him.

He had a normal temperament without alcohol, but under the influence of liquor, he turns into a beast (Rakshas is what the daughter said.).

Every pay-day: Wednesdays and Sundays were dreadful for the family and they tried to remain out of reach as he invariably drank and became violent on these days. After a few pegs, many a times he had beaten his wife black and blue. He would throw objects, abuse and curse the children; his rage knew no bounds.

The daughter described him as a selfish and greedy man. He contributed very little at home. He was earning reasonably well, yet it was never enough for him.

He always thought he was right, no one could contradict him. He often quarreled and always demanded a good brand of beer or whisky.

He seldom felt sorry for his behaviour. The only time he cried was when his 4th daughter died. Associated complaints: Chronic ear disease - Often gets noises < before alcohol

Past History
Fever. Boils< summer. Ear discharge.

Personal History
App: +++ voracious ---- Thy: ? U:N
Mo: N ++ after alcohol
Sleep = N - Dreams - Perspiration = N - Thermal: HOT 3
Addictions: 4 paans - tobacco
F/ H: eldest of 3 brothers and 2 sisters.

Mother died when pt was 23 years. 1 brother is a chain smoker. He left school in the middle after his teacher slapped him 
Build = short and stocky

Rubrics:
Anger, violent
Rage
Cruel
Moral feeling want of
Quarrelsome
Curses
Dipsomaniac
Dictatorial
Contradiction <
Craving: eggs, spices
Ear discharge
Boils - summer

The medicine, which came out highest was Anacardium. His personality is totally different with and without alcohol. Anac: Dual personality, rage, noises in the ears and lack of moral feelings are the important symptoms on which the remedy was selected. The Rx (potency?) started on 29th July 2000 and initially weekly one dose was given after every drinking session. Later 10 to 50 ml in 15 days and now occasionally. After the first dose, he had excessive ear discharge. He became more sober.

Many a times he did not touch alcohol - during pooja and religious functions.(This had never happened earlier) When gap was long, he had tremendous craving and he would get back into the old pattern, but in the whole year only once he hit an outsider and only once he quarreled with his daughter.

Many a times he got boils on his skin after Anacardium. He drinks but most of the times he is quiet and sleeps.

4 doses of Tuberculinum 1M were given monthly as an intercurent for his cold and ear discharge. His behaviour and frequency of attacks has remarkably improved but alcohol intake is the same. And when he does drink he is same.

The medicines that came close, after repertorization wit h the softtware: were Anacardium, Nux-vom and Lycopodium. He is still under observation. May be he will require Nux-vom as it is an important medicine for dipsomania.

Comments

1. The right medicine can bring about a behavioural change.
2. Addictions, when chronic, leave imprints like fossils on the brain and are difficult to clear. According to sages, people carry these habits also to their next birth and hence most religions advise their followers to shun them.
3. Use of Hompath software threw light on Nux as well as Lyco.

Nux had come to mind, but Lyco was hardly thought of. If we make a habit of regularly using the repertory we can surely become better Homoeopaths.Nux and Lyco were not used, but have to be borne in mind.