Objective To investigate the status of autonomic nerve function and electrophysiological characteristics of alcohol dependent (AD) patients, and to provide assistance for clinical diagnosis, treatment and prevention of relapse. Methods Sympathetic skin response (SSR) and 24h dynamic electrocardiogram were detected in 61 patients with alcohol dependence and 61 healthy controls, and the time of the heart rate variability (HRV), SDNN, SDANN, RMSSD and pNN50 of time domain indexes and SSR Reaction wave latency and amplitude were analyzed. Results The HRV time domain indexes SDNN, SDANN, RMSSD and PNN50 in alcohol dependent group were lower than those in the control group, the latency and amplitude of SSR were prolonged, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Conclusions Chronic alcohol abuse in AD patients resultes in changes of autonomic nervous function, which showes a decrease in the overall function of autonomic nerve, decreases sympathetic and vagal tone, impaires balance modulation ability among the two groups. The detection of autonomic nerve function should be strengthened in the treatment and rehabilitation of AD. In the improvement of other symptoms, we shall pay attention to the relief of the autonomic nervous system.