The primary and most important goal of treating alcoholism is to maintain abstinence. Unfortunately, life in sobriety, especially at the beginning of therapy, is almost unattainable for some people. For many years, efforts have been made to develop effective methods to support abstinence. One of such methods, distinguished by a long history and great popularity, is esperal implantation. What is the action of the anti-alcohol implant and what does the procedure look like? In the following article you will find the most important information about this method!
Did you know that the discovery of the anti-alcohol tab was a complete accident? In 1947, a Copenhagen physician, Erik Jacobsen, was studying the potential side effects of a promising new antiparasitic compound, esperal. Shortly thereafter, he observed a sharp deterioration in his well-being caused by alcohol consumption. Already two years later, this compound began to be widely used in the treatment of alcohol dependence.
Esperal, the active ingredient of the anti-alcohol implant, irreversibly inhibits alcohol dehydrogenase - a liver enzyme involved in the key pathway of alcohol metabolism. Blocking this stage prevents the decomposition of acetaldehyde, which is a highly toxic metabolite of alcohol. In people with an anti-alcohol implant, alcohol consumption causes a sudden increase in the concentration of acetaldehyde in the blood, which results in the appearance of unpleasant ailments, such as:
Interestingly, in recent years, scientific research has shown that the esperal contained in the alcohol implant can also be used in the treatment of cocaine addiction. This drug inhibits dopamine β-hydroxylase, thereby increasing the concentration of dopamine in the central nervous system, which allows addicted people to reach for the drug less often.
The anti-alcohol implant is one of the four drugs currently used in the treatment of alcoholism. This does not mean, however, that the anti-alcohol implant causes an abrupt recovery from the disease. Specialists emphasize that the esperal implantation is a method that facilitates maintaining abstinence, but does not eliminate the causes of alcohol abuse. The only recognized method of causal treatment of alcoholism is still psychotherapy. However, it requires absolute maintenance of abstinence, which is often extremely difficult in the first months of treatment.
This is when the anti-alcohol implant works best. It is a great support for people who are already motivated to fight addiction. Its action leads to the development of fear of the negative effects of drinking alcohol, making it more difficult for the patient to decide to reach for a glass.
Unfortunately, the anti-alcohol implant is not a suitable solution for every addicted person. The patient should primarily cooperate with a specialist, and his decision should be fully conscious and independent. The patient preparing for the implantation should avoid alcohol consumption for at least 24 hours before the procedure, and in the case of prolonged alcohol addiction, he or she should additionally undergo alcohol detoxification. This procedure makes it possible to cleanse the body of alcohol residues and its metabolites, which could have an undesirable interaction with the anti-alcohol implant.
The state of health of an addicted person is also a contraindication to alcoholism. All those who struggle with:
The procedure of esperal implantation begins with a thorough medical history. It allows to determine the general condition of the patient and exclude possible contraindications.
Just before the actual procedure, the specialist applies a local anesthesia, which makes the incision and its subsequent suturing completely painless. In order to implant the insert, the surgeon makes a small incision in the buttock area or under the shoulder blade. He then places sterile esperal tablets under the fascia - usually 8 to 10, although the exact number depends on the weight of the patient. Finally, the doctor stitches and binds the incision made.
The placed anti-alcohol implant starts to work immediately after the procedure, and its effect lasts for the next 10 months.
Are you considering an anti-alcohol implant, but still have many questions or concerns? Do you want the treatment to be fully effective and safe? You are in the right place! At KacDoktor you will find specialists with many years of experience in the subject of implementing esperal. Our doctors will dispel all your doubts related to this method, and will ensure that the entire procedure takes place in a friendly and comfortable atmosphere. If you are just at the beginning of the road to abstinence, you can also use alcohol detox with us, which will cleanse your body and accelerate its regeneration.
You can use our services in our modern office in Warsaw. However, if you do not have the time, strength or willingness to attend an in-patient visit, you can use the service of alcohol detoxification at your home, office or hotel. All you have to do is contact us by phone or via the online form, and our employee will come to the address you specify in Warsaw or nearby towns. You also don't have to worry about contacting us at the inappropriate time, because we work 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Have a problem with alcohol? Reach for alcohol detoxification and an anti-alcohol implant and fight for sobriety!
