Melbourne, VIC, 29th March, 2011 – UnitingCare Moreland Hall, one of Victoria’s leading alcohol and other drugs (AOD) agencies, expressed its concern at the potential consequences of a report on the drug Disulfiram (marketed as ‘Antabuse’) on Channel Ten’s 6PM with George Negus program (http://bit.ly/6pmgeorgenegus). The agency considers that the story did not adequately cover the limitations to the medication’s effectiveness in supporting recovery from alcohol dependence or consider the well-established risks associated with its use.
CEO Laurence Alvis stated:
While Antabuse can play a successful role in supporting individuals’ recovery from alcohol dependence, the drug can have severe consequences for people taking it. These side effects were not addressed in the 6PM story last night.
As with any approach to alcohol and other drug treatment, medication should be seen as one part of a multipronged approach to supporting sustained behavioural change. Anyone considering including Antabuse in their treatment should be aware of the potential health risks and the additional medical monitoring that would be necessary as part of an integrated recovery plan, particularly if they have existing health problems. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, or has a mental illness or history of high blood pressure, liver, kidney or heart disease should seek expert medical advice about possible complications.
Use of the drug can lead to some pretty severe consequences for individuals and their families. The ‘disulfiram reaction’ (http://bit.ly/disulfiramreaction) is potentially toxic and can occur through unintentional exposure to alcohol through products such as mouthwash, cosmetics, vinegars and salad dressings. It’s more complicated than avoiding black forest cake and punchbowls.
Mr Alvis continued:
Apart from the health risks associated with using Antabuse, the feedback we consistently get from people who have made multiple attempts to overcome their alcohol dependence is that it is only effective with a small percentage of people. I understand that it can appear to be an attractive option for people who are desperate for change, but the unfortunate reality is that overcoming an addiction is a much more complicated process than popping a pill.
The 6PM story implied that there was some great mystery why Antabuse wasn’t commonly prescribed around Australia. The simple reason is that it’s potentially dangerous and comparatively ineffective. Antabuse has been around since 1948. In the meantime, there are several other drugs that have been developed to support abstinence from alcohol, without the associated risks.
Anyone considering using medication to assist their recovery from alcohol (or any other drug) dependence should consult with experienced AOD services or an Addiction Medicine Specialist. With appropriate expert supervision, such medications can play an important role in achieving sustainable behavioural change, but they will be unlikely to produce any significant outcomes unless they are part of a more comprehensive response to the problem. As anyone who has tried to give up smoking will know, you need more than just nicotine patches to quit.
ENDS
For further information or comment please contact Chief Executive Officer Laurence Alvis on 9384 8880
Background about Moreland Hall: UnitingCare Moreland Hall is an Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) treatment and education agency of the Uniting Church in Australia. Moreland Hall has been operating since 1970 and provides a range of treatment and education services to clients in the North West Metropolitan region of Melbourne. These include counselling and support in the community and at Port Phillip prison, adult and youth home-based and residential withdrawal, education and training, drug diversion programs, supported accommodation and youth and family service.
