Antabuse Medication Assisted Treatment
Overcoming alcohol addiction is a difficult journey that impacts both the individual and their loved ones. The road to recovery starts with a brave first step.
At CMAR, our Antabuse treatment program is designed to assist those grappling with alcohol dependence.
Antabuse, which contains disulfiram, is a medication that helps deter alcohol consumption by inducing unpleasant effects when alcohol is consumed. We empower individuals to conquer addiction and attain long-lasting recovery with a compassionate and personalized approach.
At CMAR, we are committed to delivering comprehensive care and support to help you take back control of your life.
What is Antabuse
- FDA-approved injectable
- Blocks euphoric effects
- Personalized treatment plans
Benefits of Antabuse Treatment
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Prevention of Relapse
- By causing unpleasant effects when alcohol is consumed, Antabuse significantly reduces the likelihood of relapse, helping individuals maintain their sobriety.
Deterrent Effect
- The adverse reactions to alcohol provide a strong deterrent against drinking, supporting patients' commitment to abstinence.
Supportive of Long-term Recovery
- When combined with comprehensive therapy and support programs, Antabuse promotes sustained recovery and overall well-being. This holistic approach enhances the effectiveness of the treatment and helps individuals achieve lasting sobriety.
HOW Antabuse WORKS
Antabuse works by blocking the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, which is responsible for metabolizing alcohol in the liver.
When alcohol is consumed, it is converted into acetaldehyde, a toxic substance. Usually, acetaldehyde is quickly broken down into non-toxic substances. However, Antabuse prevents this breakdown, causing a buildup of acetaldehyde in the body.
This leads to unpleasant symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, and flushing. These negative reactions serve as a deterrent, discouraging individuals from drinking alcohol and supporting their efforts to remain sober.
- Mechanism of Action: Antabuse contains disulfiram, which inhibits the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, causing a buildup of acetaldehyde when alcohol is consumed, leading to unpleasant symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and headache.
- Administration Frequency: Antabuse is typically taken daily or as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
- Eligibility: Patients must undergo a thorough medical evaluation to determine their suitability for Antabuse treatment.
- Support: Comprehensive support services, including regular check-ins and personalized care plans, are provided to ensure the best possible outcomes and support long-term sobriety.
Antabuse Evidence of Effectiveness
Effectiveness in Maintaining Abstinence
Recent studies have shown that Antabuse is effective in helping individuals maintain abstinence from alcohol when taken consistently. A meta-analysis indicated that supervised administration of Antabuse leads to better treatment outcomes compared to non-supervised use, highlighting the importance of adherence and consistent monitoring in its effectiveness.
Long-Term Use
The longer a person stays on Antabuse, the more effective it is in supporting abstinence. This is likely due to the reinforcement of the habit of not drinking. However, the decision to continue long-term use should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, considering the patient's overall treatment plan and progress.
Who Are the Best Candidates for Antabuse?
It’s important to remember that Antabuse is best suited for individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria.
To ensure the best outcomes, patients should be:
Diagnosed with alcohol use disorders. Also, be alcohol-free for at least 7-10 days before starting Antabuse to avoid precipitating withdrawal symptoms.
Have attempted other forms of treatment and found them ineffective.
Are healthy enough to take the prescribed medications and can commit to regular check-ups.
A comprehensive medical assessment is carried out to evaluate suitability, taking into account factors such as the patient’s overall health, history of substance use, and any co-occurring mental health conditions.
The most suitable candidates are those dedicated to a comprehensive recovery program, including therapy and support groups, as these complement the medication’s effectiveness. Our team is committed to working closely with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan that meets their unique needs.
Potential Side Effects
While Antabuse is effective in treating alcohol dependence, it may cause side effects in some patients.
Common side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Metallic or garlic-like taste in the mouth
- Skin rash or acne
- Liver problems
- Severe allergic reactions
- Mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, psychosis)
Patients should promptly inform their healthcare provider of any adverse effects they experience. Regular monitoring and open communication with the medical team help manage and mitigate these side effects, ensuring the safety and well-being of each patient.
HOW IT WORKS
1
Verify Insurance
We'll check your insurance coverage
2
Complete a personalized assessment
Answer a few quetions and tell us your story
3
Start Treatment
Your healing journey and new life starts now
Seeking help for a loved one?
There’s hope for a better, drug and alcohol-free life. If you or a loved one is seeking help for an opioid, benzo, or alcohol addiction, CMAR can provide the support and resources needed to get you on the path to recovery.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
There is always hope for a better, drug and alcohol-free life. If you or someone you care about is struggling with opioid, benzo, or alcohol addiction, CMAR is here to offer the support and resources needed to start the journey to recovery. Our MAT program combines medication-assisted treatment with psychotherapy, case management services, and peer support for sustained recovery.
Please don’t wait to get some help. Contact us at (833) 448-0127 or online to discover more about MAT and our addiction treatment services in Denver and the surrounding areas. With the proper support, you can take control of your life.
Why Choose Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery
At CMAR, we understand that long-lasting recovery demands much more than a prescription. Recovery is a challenging personal journey of incremental change, and medication is only one element of treatment.
We know that many people suffering from substance use disorder may also have co-occurring other mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. We look at the family, social supports, and prior history of trauma and develop individual treatment plans accordingly. We believe treating mental health alongside addiction is an indispensable part of our opioid addiction treatment programs and alcohol addiction treatment programs.
We help our patients identify the causes of anger, fear, sadness, and loneliness and provide tools to cope effectively so they don’t cause a relapse.
Talk to Someone
Our addiction specialists are here to help 24/7. Give us a call and we can help find the right treatment program for you or your loved one – even if it’s not ours! We are here to help.
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