Objective To explore the therapeutic effect and safety of Changshan（Radix Dichroae） on the patients with alcohol dependence.Methods Sixty alcohol dependence patients were randomly assigned to the study group treated with raw Changshan powder and the control group treated with furazolidone for 12 weeks of aversion therapy and 1-year follow-up.The short-term effect was valued by alcohol consumption and the visual analog scale（VAS）

while the long-term outcome was measured by withdrawal rate and re-drinking rate.The differences between groups as well as pre-and post-treatment were compared

and the adverse reactions of both groups were also observed.Results After treatment

the alcohol consumption and the severity of craving for alcohol of both groups were significantly decreased（P<0.01）

whilst the alcohol consumption of the study group was less than that of the control group（P<0.01）.The long-term effective rate of the study group（93.3%） was superior to that of the control group（90%） without significant difference.Compared with the control group

the total adverse effect of the study group was relatively rare and tolerable.Conclusion Chinese medicine Changshan（Radix Dichroae） is effective and tolerable for treating alcohol dependence.It can be considered an option in the aversion therapy of alcohol dependence.