Disulfiram is a drug used to support the treatment of chronic alcoholism by producing an acute sensitivity to alcohol. It blocks the processing of alcohol in the body by inhibiting acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, thus causing an unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed. Disulfiram should be used in conjunction with counseling and support. Disulfiram is also being studied as a treatment for cocaine dependence, as it prevents the breakdown of dopamine; the excess dopamine results in increased anxiety, higher blood pressure, restlessness, and other unpleasant symptoms. Several studies have reported that it has antiprotozoal activity, as well. Disulfiram is the subject of research for use in cancer therapy and as a treatment in HIV cure research. When disulfiram creates complexes with metals, it is a proteasome inhibitor and can represent a new approach to proteasome inhibition.
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