Factors influencing commitment to abstinence from alcohol: a model grounded from client perceptions of disulfiram therapy.

This paper describes the findings of a qualitative research study aimed at eliciting the perspectives of problem drinkers concerning the drug disulfiram (Antabuse). A grounded theory model of Commitment to Abstinence, which was generated from the study data, is presented. The influence of disulfiram upon this model is examined via the perspectives of disulfiram users. It is suggested that the drug could be used in a flexible way with some clients to their advantage. The significance of the study and the derived model for mental health nursing is discussed, the value of the model as an assessment tool is explored and other more generic applications are suggested.