ANTABUSE MONITORING

Antabuse is a prescribed medication that when taken, will not allow an individual to consume alcohol without becoming ill. It works by preventing the liver from breaking down an alcohol breakdown product, or metabolite, called acetaldehyde. When the acetaldehyde metabolite builds up in the bloodstream, it produces a very unpleasant physical reaction. This helps ensure the individual will not consume alcohol while taking Antabuse through negative reinforcement.  

The effects caused by Antabuse are felt as quickly as 10 minutes after consuming alcohol. They typically last for at least 30 minutes and may continue for several hours. The reaction is so unpleasant that most users would rather abstain from drinking than feel ill. The Antabuse-alcohol reaction varies somewhat from person to person. Not everyone will experience all of these symptoms. In general, most users can expect a flushing of the face, nausea, headaches, sweating, dizziness and possible shortness of breath. Vomiting can also occur depending on the amount of alcohol ingested. 

Antabuse is an effective alcohol dependence treatment according to researchers. For example, patients taking deterrent medications, including Antabuse, had abstinence rates that were approximately 50% higher than those who did not. Additionally, those who took the prescriptions for longer than 20 months showed the highest rates of abstinence.

At The Recovery Centers, we can offer Antabuse for alcohol dependence. It is a remarkably effective tool for an individual in treatment who is having a difficult time gaining a “foothold” in recovery and achieving initial sobriety. Also, it works quite well for those wanting to remain in long term recovery. 

What is most important, however, is that consumption of Antabuse be strictly monitored so as to ensure full compliance with it’s prescription. Too often, treatment centers will prescribe Antabuse, with no monitoring in place. Such a scenario is a recipe for failure. At The Recovery Centers, we make sure you are taking Antabuse as prescribed, without any chance of relapse, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. This is critical as it finally allows one to get sober and grounded in recovery. From this vantage point, you can actually achieve successful and long lasting sobriety.