Antabuse treatment in Dayton, Ohio

What Antabuse is

A daily tablet that works as a deterrent, not a craving-reducer — the oldest FDA-approved medication for alcohol use disorder.

Antabuse is the brand name for disulfiram, first approved by the FDA in 1951, making it the earliest medication ever approved to treat alcohol use disorder. It works differently from medications like Vivitrol: rather than reducing cravings, Antabuse blocks an enzyme your body needs to fully break down alcohol. If you drink while taking it, that blocked process causes an unpleasant reaction — typically flushing, nausea, a rapid heartbeat, and headache — usually starting within about 10 minutes.

The medication itself doesn’t curb cravings the way Vivitrol does. Instead, it works by creating a strong, immediate incentive not to drink at all. Because of this, Antabuse tends to work best for people who are already committed to complete abstinence and want an added layer of accountability while they build that habit.

Antabuse vs. Vivitrol

Antabuse and Vivitrol are the two medication options we offer for alcohol use disorder, and they work in very different ways. Vivitrol blocks the reward response tied to drinking, easing cravings over time. Antabuse instead makes drinking itself feel unpleasant, functioning as a deterrent. Neither is universally better — the right choice depends on your goals, your medical history, and what kind of support will help you most. Our clinical team will help you decide which fits your situation.