Antabuse for Alcohol Addiction
Table of contents
Disulfiram, also known as Antabuse, is a medication that is sometimes used by those in recovery from alcohol addiction.
It is not a detox medication and does not replace traditional treatment: Detox, therapy, relapse prevention and aftercare.
Antabuse is used for maintenance treatment. It is taken so that, if alcohol is consumed, the person will have very unpleasant symptoms. The idea is that this puts you off drinking. It is part of relapse prevention.
Antabuse for Alcohol Addiction: How Does Antabuse Work?
Disulfiram works by blocking enzymes in the body.
When you drink alcohol, it is converted to a chemical called acetaldehyde. This is then further broken down by other chemicals.
Antabuse stops this happening which leads to a number of very distressing symptoms. The drug imitates the genetic predisposition of a lot of population groups in East Asian countries who this process inbuilt.
If you take Antabuse and then drink alcohol you will experience the following:
- Chest pain
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
Lifestyle Changes
When you take Antabuse, you will need to make very significant lifestyle changes.
You will have to avoid any use of aftershave and perfume as well as most brands of mouthwash..
Nearly all hand gel contains alcohol as does car de-icer and antifreeze. You will also need to avoid most types of vinegar. While liqueur chocolates contain only minute traces of alcohol, even this can cause the effects Antabuse is designed to cause.
Your trade could be effected if you are a decorator, carpenter or work with industrial solvents and chemicals.
Can My GP Prescribe it?
No.
Due to the way the NHS commission GP services, it is not possible for your GP to prescribe Antabuse.
Local community drug and alcohol services, which are funded through council tax, may be able to provide a prescription but it can only be initiated by a consultant is addiction medicine. You are not going to get a prescription after one appointment.
In any event, in can be difficult for a pharmacist to source the medication as it is in short supply.
How is Antabuse Taken?
Antabuse comes in tablet form: Only.
Usually a single dose of 200MG is taken, daily. Under consultant supervision this can be increased to 500MG.
There is no clinical evidence that a dose higher than this will be of any benefit. Remember: Antabuse only invokes physical symptoms if you drink. It will not stop you drinking alcohol and it is not a detox medication.
Can Anyone Take Antabuse?
No.
As with all established and licenced medications there are a number of exclusions.
Those with cardiac failure, a history of coronary artery disease and stroke can not take Antabuse.
If you have high blood pressure, have attempted serious self harm or suicide you will also be excluded. Also a diagnosis of severe personality disorder is also a precluding factor.
If you are pregnant, it is only considered to be safe to take in the first trimester. It can not be used if breastfeeding.
Key Takeaways
- Antabuse for Alcohol Addiction, also known as Disulfiram, helps prevent relapse by causing unpleasant symptoms when alcohol is consumed.
- It is not a detox medication and should accompany traditional treatments like therapy and relapse prevention.
- Patients must avoid various products containing alcohol while taking Antabuse, which can lead to serious side effects in some individuals.
- Only qualified addiction consultants can prescribe Antabuse; it’s not available through general practitioners.
- Antabuse functions as part of a comprehensive recovery plan, not a standalone cure for alcohol addiction.
Side-effects
Antabuse has several listed side effects. This is not to say that everyone who takes it will experience them. You might not have any or you might have several:
- Allergic dermatitis: Your skin may be allergic to the tablet
- Halitosis: bad breath
- Depression
- Drowsiness
- Encephalopathy: Memory loss, confusion, coma, death
- Hepatocellular injury: Raised liver enzymes
- Decreased libido: Low sex drive
- Mania
- Nausea
- Nerve disorders
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
- Vomiting
Is Antabuse right for me?
Possibly.
Antabuse is an adjunctive treatment. It is secondary to established treatment processes.
It can be started in rehab after you have completed a detox and while you are having therapy and relapse prevention skills workshops.
Antabuse is not a detox medication and it is not a substitute for rehab.
One of the major considerations when taking Disulfiram is that it only works if you take it.
A lot of people, in recovery, know they are heading for a relapse. This is not failure but part and parcel of living with a chronic illness.
The effects of Antabuse, if you drink alcohol, can be very intense. If you are on your own will you be able to summon medical help if you need it?
Antabuse for Alcohol Addiction: End of The Rainbow Treatment
Antabuse is not a miracle pill.
It has it’s uses but the only effective pathway from addiction to recovery is: Detox, therapy, relapse prevention skills and aftercare.
You can not cure alcohol addiction with Antabuse. It can play a useful role in relapse prevention but only if you take it. When someone is heading towards a relapse they will stop taking it.
Antabuse for alcohol addiction has it’s place but is a part of the recovery plan, not the totality of it.
Speak to An Experienced Addictions Clinician For Free Advice
You can speak to an experienced addictions clinician for free, independent and confidential advice.
Our clinicians have experience prescribing Antabuse.
We do not charge for advice or treatment referrals.
We will tell you what you need, and what you don’t.
Alcohol treatment does not need to be expensive, but it must be safe and effective.
Our service is registered with the Information Commissioners Office
We only signpost to legally registered services.