DISULFIRAM FOR ALCOHOL-USE DISORDERS IN ADOLESCENTS

Alcohol abuse and dependence in adolescents is a serious health concer n with significant morbidity and mortality. Disulfiram has been used t o treat alcoholism in adults since 1948, but there are no known report s of disulfiram treatment in minors. Case reports are presented on the use of disulfiram in two adolescent males with alcohol dependence and strong family histories of alcoholism. Prolonged abstinence from alco hol occurred in the first case, whereas poor pharmacological complianc e resulted in an early relapse in the second case. The judicious use o f disulfiram in adolescents is recommended for consideration in those with alcohol use disorders. A protocol is proposed that recommends a t horough medical and psychiatric evaluation, documentation of a serious alcohol use disorder, careful assessment for comorbid diagnoses, fami ly involvement when possible, and obtainment of informed consent that encompasses education about the nature and effects of disulfiram along with its potential interactions with other medications.