Antabuse (Disulfiram) For Alcohol Addiction Treatment In Massachusetts

Disulfiram is one of three Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications to treat alcohol addiction, along with Acamprosate and Naltrexone.

Disulfiram is safe and effective in supervised short and long-term treatment of those with alcohol dependence who are motivated to stop alcohol abuse.

What Is Antabuse?

Antabuse is the brand name for disulfiram. It is an FDA-approved medication used to treat alcohol use disorder. The medication works by blocking the breakdown of alcohol in the body.

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based type of treatment that uses a combination of medications with counseling and behavioral therapies for addiction treatment.

MAT can help someone reestablish normal brain function, reduce alcohol cravings, prevent alcoholic Hepatitis, and prevent relapse.

The longer someone continues medication-assisted (MAT) treatment, the more they will be able to manage their dependence to move forward with recovery.

How Does Antabuse Support Addiction Recovery?

After alcohol is consumed, it is metabolized by the body and converted into acetaldehyde and then into acetic acid by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH).

Antabuse works by interrupting this process and preventing the conversion of acetaldehyde to acetic acid.

Interrupting this process then leads to a build-up of acetaldehyde in the bloodstream, which may cause a variety of unpleasant side effects similar to alcohol withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, headache, and vomiting.

Other adverse effects caused by disulfiram include:

• impaired vision
• sweating
• weakness
• breathing problems
• confusion
• anxiety
• low blood pressure
• heart palpitations
• psychosis
• various cardiovascular complications, such as a fast heart rate

These adverse side effects act as a deterrent for those taking the drug to reduce the urge to continue drinking alcohol.

Antabuse Treatment At Bedrock Recovery Center

Bedrock Recovery Center provides Antabuse treatment programs, which are often combined with other treatment methods such as evidence-based therapies and counseling.

What Substance Use Disorders Is Antabuse Used For?

Antabuse is used for the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Antabuse may be combined with other treatment options to prevent future alcohol consumption.

When Is Antabuse Prescribed At Bedrock?

Antabuse is prescribed at Bedrock during medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for those with an alcohol use disorder.

MAT groups meet weekly for patients in both detoxification and residential programs. MAT groups are used at Bedrock to treat alcohol and opioid dependence.

How Long Does Antabuse Treatment Last?

Antabuse is typically taken for six weeks to six months, depending on the individual and treatment plan.

Antabuse is extremely effective at preventing the individual from drinking alcohol. The effects of disulfiram use occur even when drinking a small amount of alcohol.

What Are Common Side Effects Of Antabuse Treatment?

There are a variety of common side effects someone may experience during Antabuse treatment.

Common side effects include:

• headache
• drowsiness
• fatigue
• metallic taste in the mouth
• acne
• skin rash

These side effects may be mild or severe and may decrease in intensity over time. There are also less common adverse side effects that may occur with severe reactions to Antabuse.

Serious side effects may include:

• excessive tiredness
• lack of energy
• weakness
• upset stomach
• dark urine
• vomiting
• yellowing eyes or skin
• loss of appetite
• impaired liver function

If you are taking disulfiram and experience any of these side effects, seek help from a medical professional immediately.

Supportive Therapies For Antabuse Treatment At Bedrock

There are a variety of additional therapeutic interventions offered for Antabuse treatment at Bedrock Recovery Center.

Family Psychoeducation Therapy

Family psychoeducation therapy uses telehealth sessions with the provider and family members, either with or without the patient.

This therapy aims to help families understand the experience of the individual in treatment and provide the family with support groups and other available resources.

This therapy also helps the individual in treatment practice healthy communication and establish boundaries with their support system.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is designed to encourage conversations between peers and provide support. Group therapy seeks to help individuals with similar experiences feel validated and supported by others.

Psychoeducation Groups

Psychoeducation groups offer education on a specific topic related to addiction and mental health.

The goal of these groups is to build a better understanding of the topic so the individual can take the learned knowledge and apply it to their recovery and overall well-being.

Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA)

CRA focuses on increasing the individual’s engagement in social activities, behaviors, and relationships.

CRA seeks to identify positive supports, structures, and goals that someone can use to reduce the risk of relapse.

Ask About MAT For Addiction In Massachusetts

If you or a loved one are interested in MAT for addiction treatment in Massachusetts, we can help.

Contact Bedrock Recovery Center to learn more information about how to begin MAT treatment at our treatment facility.