How Long Does the Alcohol Implant Last?
The alcohol implant, meaning Esperal containing disulfiram, is applied subcutaneously in tablet form. The procedure is preceded by medical qualification, during which the doctor selects the dose individually, taking into account the patient's age, body weight, health condition, and degree of addiction. These are the factors that influence how long the alcohol implant lasts for a specific person. In practice, it is assumed that the alcohol implant can last up to 12 months. However, the answer to how long the medication lasts varies, as the applied dose and metabolic rate matter. Therefore, the duration of action should always be discussed individually with the doctor, rather than relying solely on averaged ranges.How Does Esperal (Disulfiram) Work After Implantation?
The mechanism of action of the drug is based on blocking enzymes responsible for breaking down acetaldehyde – a toxic product of alcohol metabolism. If the patient consumes alcohol after implantation, acetaldehyde can accumulate in the body and cause severely unpleasant symptoms. It is the fear of the disulfiram reaction that makes the implant work as a deterrent and supports maintaining abstinence. The procedure of Esperal implantation is performed under local anesthesia, making the procedure comfortable and not requiring general anesthesia. Most often, the implant is placed in the buttock area, which limits discomfort during healing and daily movement. Properly performed implantation makes the medication invisible, and the use of cosmetic sutures allows maintaining an aesthetic appearance of the skin. In severe cases, the reaction to alcohol can lead to serious health complications (including circulatory disorders, liver damage, and even life-threatening situations), so after disulfiram implantation, the most important thing is complete alcohol avoidance.How Long Does the Alcohol Implant Last and How to Use This Time for Treatment?
How long the alcohol implant lasts is sometimes described as up to 12 months of pharmacological support. For many patients, such a period of abstinence is a real chance for body regeneration after prolonged alcohol abuse. During this time, it's easier to take care of sleep, hydration, balanced diet, and supplementation of deficiencies (e.g., B vitamins or electrolytes) that often appear after alcohol binges. Sobriety also provides space for a more rational look at previous functioning and the decision to treat addiction. In practice, the best results come from combining medical support with therapy that helps understand triggers, emotions, and thought patterns that maintain drinking.How Long Does Esperal Last and Why Is It Combined With Therapy?
Individual therapy with a psychologist or addiction therapist helps get to the root causes of drinking and develop specific strategies for dealing with alcohol cravings. During sessions, the patient learns to recognize warning signs of relapse and sets goals that support lasting change. Good results also come from group meetings, where important aspects are: exchange of experiences, feeling of understanding, and learning sober ways of functioning. Many people emphasize that the group helps break through shame and isolation that often accompany addiction. Learn about our offer: Consultations and Alcohol Therapy In practice, the implant can facilitate starting treatment, as for some patients it supports maintaining abstinence in the first, most difficult stage. So if you're wondering whether the implant alone is enough, it's worth remembering that the best scenario is to treat this time as a start for therapeutic work and building lasting sobriety habits. At Nasz Gabinet, you can schedule a consultation to assess the situation and select a safe plan for further action (including outpatient treatment).The Alcohol Implant Is the Beginning of the Journey
The alcohol implant is often an important step, but it's worth viewing it as the beginning of treatment, not a ready solution. Esperal alone won't build new habits or change the mechanisms that previously led to drinking. The greatest chances for lasting change come from combining several elements: safe interruption of binge drinking (often through detox), therapeutic work, and a relapse prevention plan. Then the time when the implant works can be used for real life organization, health restoration, and learning to cope with stress without alcohol. Do you notice that alcohol is taking control of your life? If it's increasingly difficult to keep your own promises and alcohol returns despite consequences, you don't have to stay alone with this. The first step can be a calm, substantive consultation, during which a specialist will assess your situation and propose a safe action plan.:::cta Need help fighting addiction? Our specialists are ready to help you. Call or schedule an online appointment. Call: 880 808 880 | Schedule appointment :::
