Recent developments in disulfiram treatment.

This paper reviews the controlled studies which have led to the increasing recognition that supervised disulfiram is one of the few demonstrably effective interventions in alcoholism, both alone and as an adjunct to psychosocial methods. The specifically behavioural implications of disulfiram treatment are also noted. It examines techniques for maximising disulfiram's therapeutic effectiveness and reviews recent research into its pharmacokinetics, mode of action, toxicology and bioavailability. Finally, the prospects for an effective depot preparation are discussed.