Disulfiram for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Medications for addiction treatment may be used during rehab to help people recover from alcohol and drug addiction.1 If you’re struggling with a substance use disorder, or you know someone who is, it can help to understand your treatment options. Keep reading to learn more about disulfiram for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and how to find effective alcohol addiction treatment that works for you.
What Is Disulfiram?
Disulfiram, formerly sold under the disulfiram brand name Antabuse, is one of the three FDA-approved addiction treatment medications used to treat alcohol use disorder, which also includes naltrexone and acamprosate.1
People who drink alcohol and take disulfiram can experience extremely unpleasant reactions, such as nausea, heart palpitations, and sweating.2 The knowledge that severe symptoms will occur if they drink alcohol may act as a deterrent to continued alcohol use that may help increase a person’s chances of remaining sober.2 This could be particularly beneficial for those who may have previously struggled to maintain sobriety, as it provides a significant consequence for ongoing alcohol use.
Disulfiram Side Effects
Drinking alcohol while taking disulfiram can lead to various side effects.3 When taking disulfiram, it’s important to avoid all types of alcohol, including those found in cough syrups and even some aftershave lotions and massage oils, as well as food products such as vinegars, kombucha, and some flavorings, as they may also contain alcohol.3 For these reasons, disulfiram comes with a strong warning that it should not be used by anyone who is currently drinking alcohol.3
Disulfiram side effects can be uncomfortable, but the benefits of taking the medication as part of a comprehensive addiction treatment plan are significant.2 Despite the advantages, it’s still important to be aware that when a person drinks alcohol and takes disulfiram, they can experience a range of effects.3,4
The most common side effects of disulfiram include:3
- Drowsiness.
- Fatigue.
- Acne.
- Metallic taste.
- Disulfiram alcohol reaction (sweating, nausea, vomiting and low blood pressure).
The disulfiram alcohol reaction is not a true side effect but rather an unpleasant reaction if someone consumes alcohol while taking disulfiram due to the buildup of the alcohol metabolite, acetaldehyde. This reaction is why disulfiram is known as a deterrent to help treat alcohol use disorder.
For many people with alcohol use disorder, disulfiram can be very helpful and can be used for long periods to help promote abstinence.3 Studies have shown that disulfiram for alcohol use disorder is not only safe but also effective, and any possible downsides of using it are generally considered to be minor, especially when compared to the negative consequences of ongoing alcohol consumption.3
Your doctor will determine whether disulfiram is right for your needs. Please note that the above information is only intended as a guide to inform those who are interested in taking disulfiram. If you or a loved one have further questions or are experiencing side effects, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist for further guidance.
How Disulfiram Works
Disulfiram works to help treat AUD by causing unpleasant symptoms if a person drinks alcohol, commonly known as a deterrent.2 How disulfiram works is that it interferes with alcohol metabolism, resulting in unpleasant side effects that can help discourage alcohol use.4,5
When a person drinks alcohol, their body breaks it down into a substance called acetaldehyde, which is then turned into acetic acid and further broken down into carbon dioxide and water before it is excreted from the body.4 Disulfiram prevents the breakdown of acetaldehyde into acetic acid, which results in the build-up of acetaldehyde in the body. The buildup of acetaldehyde results in the disulfiram alcohol reaction, which is extremely unpleasant and causes a person to feel ill.4
When used as part of a comprehensive, individualized addiction treatment plan that includes behavioral therapies, counseling, and aftercare, disulfiram can be a valuable tool to help motivated people maintain their sobriety.4 Some research has shown that disulfiram may help reduce a person’s number of heavy drinking days, lower their overall alcohol consumption, and increase their chances of sustaining abstinence.6
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) Treatment in Hollywood, FL
Dealing with alcohol addiction can be challenging, but recovery is possible. No matter how things may seem right now, you should know that treatment can help people regain control of their health and overall well-being.1 Recovery First Treatment Center, an inpatient rehab near Miami, offers effective, evidence-based treatment for AUD, with personalized treatment plans that are customized for each person’s unique needs.
For many people, the rehab process begins with medical detox treatment near Miami, followed by inpatient and/or outpatient treatment.7 Recovery First Treatment Center offers all levels of addiction treatment, including:7
- Medical detoxification to help you safely stop drinking alcohol, undergo withdrawal, and become medically stable.
- Inpatient/residential addiction rehab, which allows you to fully focus on your recovery. Patients live onsite, participate in various therapies and treatments, and receive 24/7 attention and care. Inpatient addiction treatment can be a helpful option if you have a more severe addiction and/or a co-occurring disorder, or lack a supportive home environment and have little social support.
- Outpatient treatment, which allows you to continue to live at home, but travel to our rehab facility to receive treatment on a predetermined schedule. Outpatient alcohol rehab can be a beneficial option if you have already completed an inpatient program, or if you have a less severe addiction, a stable place to live, and reliable transportation.
Treatment for alcohol use disorder typically includes a combination of medications, such as disulfiram, as well as counseling and behavioral therapies.1 Therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you remain in treatment for longer periods and allow you to address the issues that contributed to or led to the addiction in the first place.1
Our treatment programs are evidence-based and focus on the development of personal responsibility. We use a whole-person approach and give attention and care to any related concerns, including co-occurring disorders like depression or anxiety. Our facility also offers specialized treatment for first responders and Veterans as well as specialized tracks for healthcare professionals.
When you’re ready to reach out, we’ll be ready to assist you. Call our free, confidential helpline at to speak with a knowledgeable admissions navigator about your rehab options, get admitted today, find out how to use health insurance to pay for rehab, and quickly verify your insurance coverage. The team at Recovery First Treatment Center is ready to help you and your family live the happy, healthy life you desire.