{"id":10805,"date":"2023-08-05T09:53:17","date_gmt":"2023-08-05T09:53:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/?page_id=10805"},"modified":"2026-05-27T16:08:02","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T16:08:02","slug":"disulfiram","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/treatment\/medication-assisted-treatment\/disulfiram\/","title":{"rendered":"Disulfiram for Alcohol Use Disorder: Uses, Side Effects and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Disulfiram is a prescription drug used in treatment for people who want to stop alcohol consumption and maintain abstinence. It does not reduce cravings in the same way as naltrexone or acamprosate. Instead, Antabuse creates a deterrent effect by causing an unpleasant and potentially dangerous reaction if a person drinks while taking it (<\/span>Stokes et al., 2024<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\r\n

This option is usually best for patients who have already stopped drinking, understand the risks and have a clear abstinence goal. It is not a cure for alcoholism, and it does not treat withdrawal. It is typically used with counseling, medical monitoring, relapse prevention planning and structured care (<\/span>Poorman et al., 2024<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Antabuse is one of several medications used for alcohol use disorder, along with naltrexone and acamprosate. These options work differently, so the right choice depends on a person\u2019s health history, liver function, mental health needs and goals (<\/span>McPheeters et al., 2023<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\r\n

What Is Disulfiram?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Disulfiram is an oral prescription medication used to support abstinence from alcohol. It is usually taken once daily and should only be used under medical supervision.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The drug works by making alcohol use physically unpleasant and risky. If you drink while taking it, your body can build up acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism. This buildup causes the disulfiram-alcohol reaction (<\/span>Stokes et al., 2024<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Disulfiram\u2019s use does not remove the behavioral, emotional, social or mental health factors that contribute to alcohol dependence. For that reason, it is usually one part of a larger use disorder treatment plan rather than a standalone solution (<\/span>Poorman et al., 2024<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Who It May Help<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Disulfiram may be considered for someone who has stopped drinking and wants help maintaining abstinence. It is generally not the first step for someone who is still drinking heavily, at risk of withdrawal or unsure whether they want to stop.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

A doctor may consider it if you:<\/span><\/p>\r\n