In the treatment of Alcohol Dependence, which medication is preferred over Disulfiram?

Naltrexone is preferred over Disulfiram in the treatment of alcohol dependence because it acts as an opioid receptor antagonist that helps reduce cravings and the rewarding effects of alcohol consumption. This property makes naltrexone particularly useful for individuals who want to reduce their alcohol intake or maintain abstinence without experiencing the aversive reactions associated with Disulfiram, which causes unpleasant symptoms when alcohol is consumed.

Naltrexone can be administered as a daily oral medication or via a monthly injectable formulation, providing flexibility for patients in treatment. This helps to improve compliance and adherence to treatment protocols, which is critical for successful long-term management of alcohol dependence.

Disulfiram, while it can deter drinking by causing adverse reactions with alcohol (like flushing, nausea, and palpitations), does not address the underlying craving for alcohol, and its effectiveness heavily relies on the individual's motivation to remain abstinent. Thus, naltrexone is often preferred in clinical practice when focusing on reducing dependence and cravings without imposing adverse physical reactions linked to alcohol consumption.