Sudden Unexpected Death and Alcohol Addiction: Case Report on Disulfiram Use

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Addiction Medicine
• Toxicology

Background:

• Disulfiram is a medication prescribed to deter alcohol consumption by inducing adverse reactions upon alcohol ingestion.
• The disulfiram-alcohol reaction involves increased acetaldehyde levels, leading to symptoms like nausea and vomiting, similar to chemotherapy side effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on alcohol, medication, and drug consumption in the context of disulfiram treatment.
• To highlight the challenges and risks associated with maintaining abstinence during disulfiram therapy for alcohol addiction.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive research method was employed.
• A comprehensive literature review was conducted focusing on alcohol, medications, and drug consumption.

Main Results:

• Initial abstinence during disulfiram treatment does not preclude future alcohol use.
• Patients may develop strategies, including using other medications, to mitigate the disulfiram-alcohol reaction.
• Alcohol addiction can drive patients to seek ways to avoid treatment-induced side effects.

Conclusions:

• Patients struggling with alcohol addiction may attempt to bypass disulfiram's deterrent effects.
• Combining alcohol with disulfiram can lead to severe consequences, including potentially fatal cardio- and neurotoxic effects from acetaldehyde.
• The risk of severe adverse events, including death, underscores the importance of adherence and managing patient-driven workarounds.