Definition

1. Noun:
   • A pharmaceutical compound used as a treatment for chronic alcoholism: Disulfiram is a medication that works by interfering with the body's normal metabolism of alcohol. When alcohol is consumed after taking disulfiram, it causes an accumulation of acetaldehyde, leading to unpleasant physical reactions. This creates a strong psychological deterrent against drinking.
   • A specific drug with the trade name Antabuse: "Disulfiram" is the generic name for the medication commonly marketed under the brand name Antabuse.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor prescribed disulfiram to help him maintain sobriety.
  • A key component of his treatment plan was taking disulfiram daily.
  • The effectiveness of disulfiram depends on the patient's commitment to taking it consistently.

Advanced Usage

• "to be on disulfiram": to be undergoing treatment with this medication.
  • He has been on disulfiram for six months and has not had a relapse.
• "disulfiram therapy": a treatment regimen involving the use of this drug.
  • Disulfiram therapy is often combined with counseling for a comprehensive approach.

Variants and Related Words

• Antabuse (n): The most common brand or trade name for disulfiram.
  • Antabuse is a well-known treatment for alcohol dependence.
• Disulfiram-like reaction (n): An adverse physiological response similar to that caused by disulfiram, which can sometimes be triggered by other medications or substances when combined with alcohol.
  • Some antibiotics can cause a disulfiram-like reaction if you drink alcohol.

Synonyms

• Alcohol deterrent: A substance or medication designed to discourage alcohol consumption.
• Aversive therapy agent: A drug used in a treatment that pairs a negative physical response with an unwanted behavior to deter it.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• "disulfiram-ethanol reaction": The specific syndrome of unpleasant symptoms (flushing, nausea, vomiting, headache, palpitations) that occurs when alcohol is ingested while disulfiram is in the system.
  • Patients must be thoroughly warned about the dangers of the disulfiram-ethanol reaction.
• "under disulfiram protection": A state where the medication is actively deterring alcohol use.
  • While under disulfiram protection, he felt more confident in social situations where alcohol was present.

Noun

1. a drug (trade name Antabuse) used in the treatment of alcoholism; causes nausea and vomiting if alcohol is ingested