[locusofself]

Good to hear it .. I've been sober 12 years (cold turkey after years of attempts) and when I was struggling I tried to get a prescription for Antabuse and doc said no. I see no reason not to try whatever tools are available to save someone from a terrible life (or death).

[tom899]

Antabuse can lead to death or dangerous healh problems. The doctor is and will be responsible for that, so he wont take the risk.

[Broken_Hippo]

"Antabuse can lead to death or dangerous health problems."

So can a slew of other drugs. You should see the drug risks for stuff folks take for autoimmune disorders. It isn't just up to the doctor to mitigate the risks: Patients must do their part as well (blood tests and so on).

And most importantly: So can alcoholism. Alcoholism kills slowly. Withdrawal can kill not-so-slowly. Somehow, do you think the doctor is not responsible for refusing help when the alternative risks include death as well?

That said, I'm not a doctor and there are generally (but not always) good reasons to avoid a drug or another. The risk of drugs by itself usually isn't it, though, as it depends on effectiveness compared to other drugs/methods and comparing the risk of cure to the risk of continued disease.

[MissionInfl]

Sorry if you already know this, but the difference with disulfiram/Antabuse is that these side effects are intentional and are supposed to act as a deterrent to consuming alcohol. The fact that it can kill you if you mix it with booze is why people take it, as far as I understand it

[aaaaaaaaata]

> So can a slew of other drugs

Dr isn't legally liable for drugs you find on your own.

[dragonwriter]

Dr. isn't legally liable if they act within the norms of the profession with with informed consent. Almost any drug can cause death or dangerous health problems.

[Broken_Hippo]

I was speaking of prescription drugs here, the very ones you have to visit the doctor to get. I thought with the context that would have been clear.