Antabuse is a medication used to help people with Alcohol Use Disorder maintain their sobriety. The medication was first approved by the FDA in 1951.
Since then, the medication has been widely utilized and remains a great tool to help with people’s abstinence from alcohol.
In this article, we will discuss what Antabuse is and answer common questions people have about the medication. We will cover:
- What Antabuse is
- How Antabuse works to support sobriety
- If Antabuse is still used today
- The pros and cons of the medication
- Where you can get Antabuse from
Let’s get into it.
Is Antabuse Still Used?
Yes, Antabuse is still used to help promote sobriety. It was first approved by the FDA for the treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder in 1951 and continues to be used by people to support their recovery.
It is commonly used together with psychological treatments such as therapy and counseling which help to address the underlying cause of addiction.
What Is Antabuse Used For?
Antabuse is one of the 3 medications approved by the FDA as a treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder. It works as a deterrent, promoting alcohol abstinence.
Antabuse can be prescribed to people who have undergone alcohol detoxification and have no underlying health conditions that put them at risk of severe reactions.
Antabuse can also be used to treat cocaine dependence. It is thought to help correct the levels of dopamine in the brain, helping people recover from cocaine addictions.
Pros and Cons of Antabuse
Like all medications, there are risks and benefits to taking Antabuse.
Before taking the medication, it is important to discuss your past medical history with your healthcare professional, to make sure the medication is right for you.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| FDA approved | People with liver disease, kidney disease and severe heart disease such as coronary artery disease cannot take the medication |
| Proven to help people with alcoholism maintain sobriety | Reacts with certain medications and alcohol-containing products |
| Acts as a deterrent that can be used long-term to support sobriety | Is not considered a cure for alcoholism, does not treat withdrawal symptoms or alcohol cravings |
| Breaks the positive feedback cycle of drinking, helping to manage the addiction | Can have some unpleasant side effects |
| Is easy to take and stays in your system for 2 weeks incase you miss a dose |
Where Can You Get Antabuse?
Antabuse is a prescription medication. Before buying the medication, you will need a valid prescription from your doctor.
Your doctor may run some tests and ask you about your past drinking and medical history to make sure the medication is safe for you to take.
Antabuse is usually available from your local pharmacy with a prescription. The pharmacist will be able to give you advice on how to take the medication and what to expect, along with answering any questions you may have.
You can also buy the medication from pharmacies online if you have a prescription. This may be easier if you have accessibility issues or live rurally.
Final Thoughts
Antabuse is a medication that acts as a deterrent from alcohol use. It has been used for decades to help people who suffer from chronic alcoholism.
Although not a cure for alcoholism, it is a great tool that supports abstinence and can help people maintain sobriety in conjunction with psychological support.
