Disulfiram use at hospital-based and free-standing alcoholism treatment centers

Disulfiram (Antabuse) is one method for treating alcoholism, despite controversy over its clinical effectiveness. This study examines the hypothesis that hospital-based alcoholism treatment centers would use disulfiram more frequently than free-standing centers in the New York City metropolitan area. A large variation in percentage of patients receiving disulfiram was observed (0%-97%) in both settings. The use of disulfiram at hospital-based centers (27%) was not statistically different from that at free-standing centers (34%). Demography, alternate types of alcoholism treatment offered, and number of physicians on staff did not significantly affect disulfiram use. Personal views of disulfiram by the program director or treating physician were more important determinants of disulfiram use than type of treatment facility. Further study of factors influencing the use of disulfiram by type of alcoholism center may facilitate appropriate referral of patients who may benefit from disulfiram treatment.