Final answer:
Disulfiram (Antabuse) deters alcohol consumption by blocking the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase, which causes an accumulation of acetaldehyde and its associated unpleasant effects upon drinking alcohol.
Step-by-step explanation:
Disulfiram, commonly known as Antabuse, acts as a deterrent for alcohol consumption by inhibiting the action of the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase. When alcohol (ethanol) is consumed, it is first metabolized into acetaldehyde, an intermediate compound. Normally, aldehyde dehydrogenase would convert acetaldehyde into the less toxic acetic acid. However, when disulfiram inhibits this enzyme, acetaldehyde accumulates in the body, leading to unpleasant effects such as flushing, nausea, dizziness, sweating, headache, and low blood pressure. The resulting discomfort serves as a deterrent to prevent further alcohol intake.
In cases of methanol poisoning, ethanol is used therapeutically to compete with methanol for the alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme, allowing methanol to be excreted before it can be converted into the toxic compound methanal. This contrasts with disulfiram's mechanism, which targets the metabolism of ethanol itself to produce aversive effects.
Overall, disulfiram's action in blocking the metabolism of acetaldehyde creates a chemical barrier to alcohol consumption, which can be a part of a comprehensive treatment strategy for alcohol dependence.