Non-physiological mechanisms influencing disulfiram treatment of alcohol use disorder: A grounded theory study

The physiological effects of disulfiram, in particular its adverse reaction when combined with alcohol, explains only part of its effect on problem drinking behaviour. The act of taking a disulfiram pill is also partly symbolic of making an absolute decision not to drink for a short period, allowing people with alcohol use disorder to explore other options for managing life without alcohol. Drug trials involving disulfiram need to treat it not simply as pharmaceutical but as part of a complex psychosocial intervention conducted within a supportive social context.