Which medication is listed for chronic alcohol use disorder?

Which medication is listed for chronic alcohol use disorder?

• A. Thiamine
• B. Multivitamin
• C. Chlordiazepoxide
• D. Disulfiram

Answer: (D)

When managing chronic alcohol use disorder, the goal is to support abstinence and prevent relapse with medications that influence drinking behavior. Disulfiram fits this approach as an aversion therapy. It blocks aldehyde dehydrogenase, so if alcohol is consumed while taking it, acetaldehyde builds up and causes unpleasant effects—flushing, rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and low blood pressure. That deterrent effect helps motivate a person to avoid drinking, especially when combined with counseling and ongoing support. It’s most suitable for a motivated patient who can adhere to the regimen and is carefully monitored for liver function and potential adverse reactions, including reactions from any product containing alcohol (mouthwash, cough syrups, etc.). In contrast, thiamine and multivitamins address nutritional deficiencies common with long-term alcohol use but do not deter drinking or maintain abstinence. Chlordiazepoxide is used to manage acute alcohol withdrawal, not for long-term maintenance of abstinence. Therefore, disulfiram is the medication listed for chronic alcohol use disorder.

When managing chronic alcohol use disorder, the goal is to support abstinence and prevent relapse with medications that influence drinking behavior. Disulfiram fits this approach as an aversion therapy. It blocks aldehyde dehydrogenase, so if alcohol is consumed while taking it, acetaldehyde builds up and causes unpleasant effects—flushing, rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and low blood pressure. That deterrent effect helps motivate a person to avoid drinking, especially when combined with counseling and ongoing support. It’s most suitable for a motivated patient who can adhere to the regimen and is carefully monitored for liver function and potential adverse reactions, including reactions from any product containing alcohol (mouthwash, cough syrups, etc.).

In contrast, thiamine and multivitamins address nutritional deficiencies common with long-term alcohol use but do not deter drinking or maintain abstinence. Chlordiazepoxide is used to manage acute alcohol withdrawal, not for long-term maintenance of abstinence. Therefore, disulfiram is the medication listed for chronic alcohol use disorder.