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Among the effective and approved medication therapy used to treat alcoholism dependency is the Disulfiram implant. In the below guide, you will fully understand what disulfiram is, how it works, its possible side effects, and overall why it is worthy of alcoholism treatment.
What Are Disulfiram Implants and How Do They Work
Disulfiram implants are a type of implantation therapy conducted under a professional doctor’s supervision to support the treatment and breakage of chronic alcoholism addiction. Disulfiram implants are effective as they causes an unpleasant reaction if the patient drinks alcohol.
The implant alters how the patient's body breaks and eliminates alcohol from the blood system. In this case, this medication works by inhibiting the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, which is responsible for causing unpleasant side effects whenever someone drinks. High levels of this enzyme lead to hangover feelings, helping the patient stop drinking.
Indications for Disulfiram Implant Placement
The implant breaks alcohol addiction by interfering with the user's absorption and digestion of alcohol. This motivates the addicted user to discontinue alcohol use.
Disulfiram Implant Side Effects
Disulfiram implants bring some side effects when mixed with alcohol; however, these effects generally dissolve a few weeks after the implant procedure. Although the side effects tend to vary by individual, if you experience prolonged withdrawal symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider for help.
Physical Symptoms
Psychological Symptoms
Behavioral Symptoms
Risks Associated with Disulfiram Implants
The disulfiram implant procedure is painless and provides immediate results; however, it is only recommended to be used under professional doctor precautions. Otherwise, in case of any contradictions, it can lead to the below risks:
Preparing for the Disulfiram Implantation Procedure
Before the procedure, your healthcare provider will ask you questions and you may undergo some tests, such as a pregnancy exam.
Don’t take alcohol for 24-48 hours before the disulfiram procedure, or use alcohol-containing products, food, or medicines such as tonics, vinegar, mouthwashes, cough syrups, gargles, or sauces.
You will be informed about the possible disulfiram implant side effects and how the doctor will control them. The patient should sign a written consent before the procedure.
How Are Disulfiram Implants Administered
This procedure should only be done with the consent of a patient. Any disulfiram implant procedure should be carried out in a certified clinic by experts. Generally, this procedure is painless, well-tolerated, and takes only 20 minutes.
The disulfiram tablet is safely implanted under the patient’s skin, normally in the buttocks area. The surgeon will cut 5 mm of your skin to insert the tablet through an incision in the buttocks, back of the upper arm, or the lower abdomen.
The quantity of tablets/dosage varies on the patient's weight, level of addiction, and what the expert recommends after diagnosing the severity of alcoholism.
Disulfiram Implant — How Can it Help You?
This medical therapy helps to fight alcohol consumption urges. The implant causes adverse effects when the patient drinks alcohol, making it a successful deterrent, even for mild drinking.
Disulfiram and Alcohol Use Disorder
Breaking the chain of alcoholism can be difficult without effective medication. Disulfiram plays a significant role in breaking this habit. This implantation therapy motivates the patient to develop new, healthier ways of dealing with alcohol dependency.
Effectiveness of Alcohol Addiction Treatment With Disulfiram Implants
Based on the disulfiram implant manufacturer, this medication is tested and approved to quickly and positively act once in the patient's body. This is among the most widely accepted types of therapy when administered under physician supervision. The effectiveness will vary based on the alcoholism severity in each patient's system and the body's responses.
Disulfiram Implant Removal
The implant is removed when it expires. Removal is done quickly through a small incision under local anesthesia. Some implants do not need to be removed because they dissolve completely.
Does the FDA Approve Disulfiram Implants
Yes! It is among the oldest and most commonly used under the Food and Drug Administration. It is FDA-tested and proven to be an efficient and safe medication to treat alcoholism under doctor supervision.
The Cost of Disulfiram Implantation
The cost of an implant with placement is 150 €.
Doctors
Addiction is a disease. When left untreated, it will continue controlling you, distracting you from functioning normally. We have specialists who professionally deal with alcoholism by applying contemporary methods to ensure the patient is back to his or her normal good life. Meet our friendly doctors, ready to serve you:
Patents and Certificates
We are Certified, Registered Alcohol, Drug and Addiction Specialists (DAACC). Our addiction MDs, PhDs, and master's level doctors will take you through the necessary medical steps to break alcoholism addiction, showing you love and ensuring you're comfortable until you are back to full control of your life.
