Disulfiram is not effective for preventing relapse in alcohol use disorder.

Disulfiram is not effective for preventing relapse in alcohol use disorder.

• A. Highly effective
• B. Moderately effective
• C. Not effective
• D. Unknown

Answer: (C)

Disulfiram’s effect relies entirely on adherence. It blocks aldehyde dehydrogenase, so if alcohol is consumed, it produces an aversive reaction that deters drinking. But because the medication must be taken consistently to work, real-world adherence is often poor, which means its ability to prevent relapse is limited. Compared with agents like naltrexone or acamprosate, which have more robust and consistent evidence for reducing relapse and heavy drinking, disulfiram generally does not provide reliable relapse prevention across typical patient populations. When used under strict supervision with good adherence, there may be some benefit, but overall it is not considered effective for preventing relapse in alcohol use disorder.

Disulfiram’s effect relies entirely on adherence. It blocks aldehyde dehydrogenase, so if alcohol is consumed, it produces an aversive reaction that deters drinking. But because the medication must be taken consistently to work, real-world adherence is often poor, which means its ability to prevent relapse is limited. Compared with agents like naltrexone or acamprosate, which have more robust and consistent evidence for reducing relapse and heavy drinking, disulfiram generally does not provide reliable relapse prevention across typical patient populations. When used under strict supervision with good adherence, there may be some benefit, but overall it is not considered effective for preventing relapse in alcohol use disorder.