한국 한의사의 알코올 관련 장애 진료 현황에 대한 설문연구

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined the current practices of Korean medicine (KM) in treating alcohol-related disorders (ARDs) among Korean medicine doctors (KMDs). Methods: A nationwide, web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from January 20 to February 23, 2025. Invitations to participate were sent via email and text message to members of the Association of Korean Medicine. Out of 930 respondents, 819 KMDs were included in the final analysis after excluding incomplete, duplicate, or inconsistent responses. Descriptive statistics and group comparisons were made between KM neuropsychiatry (KMN) specialists and other KMDs. Results: Overall, 74.1% of respondents reported experience in treating patients with ARDs; however, more than half encountered such patients less than once every three months. KMN specialists managed a wider variety of ARD patient groups, including those who were currently drinking, in early abstinence, or in maintenance. They also more frequently utilized alcohol-related questionnaires, heart rate variability, and EEG-based assessments. The most common KM treatments reported were herbal decoctions and manual acupuncture. In contrast, KMN specialists employed a broader array of interventions, including both insured and non-insured herbal preparations, electroacupuncture, auricular acupuncture, moxibustion, and KM psychotherapy. Frequently prescribed treatments included Galhwahaeseong-tang and Daegeum-eumja. Major challenges identified included difficulties in monitoring abstinence, the non-immediate therapeutic response of KM treatments, and limited patient insight or motivation. Conclusions: This first nationwide survey outlines KM practice patterns for ARDs in Korea and highlights the differences between KMN specialists and other KMDs. These findings provide foundational data to support the development of KM clinical practice guidelines and future clinical research on ARD treatment.