Which medication may be used to prevent alcohol relapse?

Which medication may be used to prevent alcohol relapse?

• A. Antabuse
• B. Prozac
• C. Seconal
• D. Amantacline

Answer: (A)

The medication used to prevent alcohol relapse works as an aversive deterrent. Antabuse (disulfiram) blocks the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. When a person drinks alcohol, acetaldehyde accumulates, causing unpleasant effects such as flushing, rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness. This uncomfortable reaction helps motivate abstinence when paired with counseling and a commitment to recovery. It’s important to use under medical supervision and to avoid all sources of alcohol, including some medications and mouthwash. The other options aren’t designed to prevent relapse: one is an antidepressant that may help mood symptoms but doesn’t deter drinking; another is a sedative with abuse potential; and the remaining is not used for this purpose.

The medication used to prevent alcohol relapse works as an aversive deterrent. Antabuse (disulfiram) blocks the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. When a person drinks alcohol, acetaldehyde accumulates, causing unpleasant effects such as flushing, rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness. This uncomfortable reaction helps motivate abstinence when paired with counseling and a commitment to recovery. It’s important to use under medical supervision and to avoid all sources of alcohol, including some medications and mouthwash. The other options aren’t designed to prevent relapse: one is an antidepressant that may help mood symptoms but doesn’t deter drinking; another is a sedative with abuse potential; and the remaining is not used for this purpose.