How Does Disulfiram Treat Problem Drinking in Adults?
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Are you struggling with an addiction? Disulfiram can help treat problems like drinking in adults. Medical-assisted therapy offers hope. Disulfiram (also referred to as Tetraethylthiuram Disulfide or Antabuse) is one of the most commonly prescribed treatments for alcoholism in the United States. It has been used for more than 65 years.
Lisa Perna is a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in addiction recovery medicine. Revival Recovery Center serves individuals in Brighton, MI and closely surrounding communities with a focus on helping individuals struggling with alcohol or drug addiction.
How does Disulfiram help treat alcohol addiction?
Medication-assisted treatment is helpful for individuals who have been struggling with alcoholism. Disulfiram helps individuals control their desire to drink by causing an unpleasant physical reaction to occur if they consume alcohol.
If one drinks alcohol after taking Disulfiram, they will experience the following:
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Headache
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Flushing of the skin
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Weakness
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Skin flushing
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High blood pressure
The prescription medication acts as an effective deterrent to help people overcome alcohol cravings to can more easily remain sober.
How does Disulfiram work?
Disulfiram works by obstructing one of the body’s enzymes, which helps the liver break down ethanol. The body will then experience an increase in acetaldehyde which is what causes the physical discomfort.
In most situations, Disulfiram is prescribed for daily use to help one more effectively maintain sobriety. It is not prescribed until after you have gone through complete withdrawal and detox. Your body must be free of alcohol for at least 12 hours, and you must have a blood alcohol level of zero before you start taking Disulfiram.
Although Disulfiram is highly effective, it should always be used in combination with other addiction recovery treatments to help you achieve and maintain sobriety.
What are the benefits of Disulfiram?
If you are struggling to maintain sobriety, then Disulfiram might assist you in your treatment plan.
The benefits of Disulfiram include:
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Creates an unpleasant reaction if you drink alcohol, so it acts as a deterrent
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Has very few side effects as long as you abstain from drinking alcohol while taking the medication
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Causes a severe adverse effect after a small amount of alcohol is consumed
Revival Recovery Center and medical-assisted treatment
Revival Recovery Center serves Brighton, MI, and the closely surrounding communities. When you seek assistance with addition at the treatment center, Lisa will review your physical and mental health.
The medical team at Revival Recovery Center will further evaluate your medical records and history of addiction to determine if Disulfiram is right for your particular needs and, if so, outline an individualized treatment plan that will combine the use of prescription medications, community support, and psychological therapy.
Contact Revival Recovery Center for addiction treatment in Brighton, MI
If you are seeking addiction assistance, reach out to Lisa Perna at Revival Recovery Center to learn if Disulfiram can help treat your problem drinking. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We serve Brighton, MI, and the surrounding communities. In most situations, we take Medicare, Medicaid, and other private insurance coverage.