Disulfiram (brand name Antabuse) is used to treat alcoholism by causing uncomfortable physical reactions to alcohol. Disulfiram interferes with the metabolism of alcohol. Drinking alcohol after taking disulfiram causes nausea, vomiting, and many other unpleasant symptoms. As the medication stays in the system for at least a week, it can be a potent motivator not to drink. However, long-term use of this medication is not advised because it can cause liver damage. Additionally, drinking while on disulfiram is potentially fatal, so it is not recommended for impulsive patients, those who might drink despite knowledge of the consequences. Finally, this treatment is only useful with highly motivated patients, those who are willing to take the medication and avoid alcohol. Someone who is poorly motivated to stop drinking will simply stop taking the Antabuse.