Disulfiram is a drug that physicians have used for decades to help patients remain sober. The drug interferes with the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol. In recent years, disulfiram was shown to be effective in treating cocaine addiction.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta have now identified how the drug may exert its effects, and have shown that a newer drug with fewer side effects works in the same way.
"Disulfiram has several effects on the body: it interferes with alcohol metabolism, but it inhibits several other enzymes by sequestering copper, and can also damage the liver," said David Weinshenker, PhD, associate professor of human genetics at Emory University School of Medicine. "We wanted to figure out how disulfiram was working so we could come up with safer and potentially more effective treatments."
The researchers proved that disulfiram prevents from rats seeking cocaine after a break. At the same time, the drug does not stop them from taking cocaine when first exposed, or from enjoying their food.
