How Does Disulfiram Work?

Disulfiram is a standard medicine used for treating alcohol addiction. In chemistry terms, disulfiram is a disulfide – a combination of two sulfur molecules. When combined with alcohol, disulfiram has an adverse effect on the body and becomes an influential discouraging factor for alcoholics. By using disulfiram as negative reinforcement therapy, specialists can curb alcoholic relapses when someone is trying to stay sober.

For almost 70 years, disulfiram has been used to treat alcoholism in post-detox, medication-assisted recovery. But where does disulfiram come from, and how exactly does it aid in alcoholism recovery? If you’re considering medication-assisted alcohol addiction recovery, read on to learn more about disulfiram.

The History of Disulfiram

It was first discovered that disulfide responded to alcohol in the early 1930s when workers in the rubber industry found they got sick when drinking after work. The workers got ill because they were exposed to tetraethyl thiuram disulfide, which causes an acutely unpleasant reaction when combined with even trace amounts of alcohol.

Later, a 1940s study on stomach ailments revealed disulfiram caused negative effects on participants who consumed alcohol. Disulfiram was then approved in 1951 for the treatment of alcoholism for the first time.

How Disulfiram Responds to Alcohol in the Body

How exactly does disulfiram work against alcohol in the body? The alcohol we drink is ethanol. This is toxic to our bodies and needs to be processed by the liver into acetate, a less toxic compound, through a process known as ALDH, aldehyde dehydrogenase.

Disulfiram is an ALDH inhibitor. In other words, it stops our bodies from metabolizing alcohol. But as a result, the alcohol remains in its more poisonous chemical state in the body. This is what can cause violent physical rejection of alcohol and intense negative symptoms like:

• Nausea and vomiting;
• Headache;
• Impaired vision;
• Sweating;
• Weakness;
• Breathing trouble;
• Mental confusion;
• Anxiety;
• Hyperventilation;
• Tachycardia; and
• Hypotension

These symptoms will manifest any time someone with disulfide or disulfiram in their system has contact with alcohol; even paint fumes and skin contact with aftershave can cause adverse reactions.

Using Disulfiram to Treat Alcoholism

Medical professionals use disulfiram as a discouraging agent for relapse in alcoholism. It does not stop the psychological or physical effects of alcoholism; rather, it prevents the metabolism of alcohol. A person cannot accidentally get drunk, but someone can give themselves unmetabolized alcohol poisoning by drinking while on disulfiram.

Ideally, the negative experience curbs any desire to relapse. People taking disulfiram will not be able to enjoy a drink and will, in fact, get extremely sick with a single relapse event. This is known as aversion therapy.

For this reason, disulfiram is only recommended when a person is truly dedicated to a 100% sober life in recovery and is willing to use disulfiram to help them resist temptation because they know it will lead to feeling incredibly ill. Disulfiram must also be taken every day to have an effect, which requires willing participation in the aversion therapy.

Important Safety Notes on Disulfiram

Disulfiram should only be taken a full 12 hours after ceasing alcohol consumption, or it could have a negative effect on lingering traces of alcohol in the body. Disulfiram can cause negative responses to paint fumes, aftershave, and anything else that contains alcohol. Those taking disulfiram should live with extreme care regarding exposure to any alcohol products.

Should Disulfiram Be Part of Your Alcohol Recovery?

If you are fully committed to alcohol recovery, disulfiram can become part of your treatment. Always proceed with care and only with the supervision of an addiction medical professional. Disulfiram should never be taken at a higher dose than recommended.

Like many recovery-assistive methods, disulfiram only works if you work with it. If you would like to explore medically assisted alcoholism recovery, contact us today. Here at Kolbe Health Services, we are ready to provide compassionate and personalized care for our patients in recovery.

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