Does Antabuse Help With Cravings?
What is Antabuse?
Antabuse, also known as disulfiram, is a medication used to help people suffering from alcohol addiction stop drinking. It works by discouraging alcohol consumption by causing unpleasant physical effects if the patient consumes alcohol while taking it.
How Does Antabuse Work?
When Antabuse is taken as directed, it causes a buildup of a compound called acetaldehyde in the body. This compound is normally broken down by an enzyme called acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, but Antabuse prevents this from happening. When the patient consumes alcohol while taking Antabuse, it causes the acetaldehyde to build up in the body, resulting in a range of unpleasant physical effects such as nausea, headaches, flushing, and chest pain.
Does Antabuse Help With Cravings?
Antabuse is not designed to help people with alcohol cravings. While it can help to discourage drinking, it does nothing to address the underlying issues that lead to alcohol addiction. For that, other therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and support groups are more effective.
Other Uses of Antabuse
Though Antabuse is primarily used to help people overcome an alcohol addiction, it also has other uses as well. In particular, it can be used to discourage people from using other drugs, such as cocaine and opiates. When combined with other therapies, it can be an effective tool in helping people stay sober.
Side Effects of Antabuse
Antabuse can cause a range of side effects, though these are usually mild. Common side effects include skin rash, headache, nausea, and dizziness. It can also cause more serious side effects such as liver damage, so it is important to discuss any risks with a doctor before taking it.
Alternatives to Antabuse
If Antabuse is not a good option for someone, there are other medications that can be used to help with alcohol addiction. These include naltrexone, which works by blocking the effects of alcohol, and acamprosate, which helps to reduce cravings. Additionally, there are a range of therapies and support groups that can be used to help people overcome their addiction.
Conclusion
Antabuse is a medication used to help people with alcohol addiction stop drinking. While it can help discourage drinking, it does not address the underlying issues that lead to addiction and should be combined with other therapies and support groups for best results. Additionally, it can cause side effects, so it is important to discuss any risks with a doctor before taking it.