First Days After the Implant - How to Adjust?

The first days after the alcohol implant procedure can be a time of intense emotions, physical discomfort, and internal struggles for many people. It is often a turning point – the beginning of life without alcohol, but also a confrontation with fears, questions, and uncertainty. The body begins to adapt to the new situation, and the psyche learns to function without the previous habit of reaching for alcohol. It is also a time when it is particularly important to understand what is happening to the body and mind, how long the wound after the implant heals, and how to safely and effectively support the adaptation process to sober life.

New Stage of Sobriety After the Implant

The alcohol implant is one of the methods supporting the treatment of alcohol addiction. It involves surgically placing a medication under the skin, usually in the buttock area. This substance does not affect daily functioning as long as there is no contact with alcohol, and in case of alcohol consumption, it causes severe poisoning symptoms:

• nausea

• shortness of breath

• heart palpitations

• facial flushing

• anxiety

• serious circulatory system disorders (in severe cases)

Therefore, it acts primarily as an aversive agent – it strengthens the fear of reaching for alcohol. The first days after the implant are a moment when it is worth mentally preparing for changes. It is important to understand that the implant does not cure addiction, does not change psychological mechanisms, and does not eliminate alcohol cravings. It is a tool that can help maintain abstinence, especially at the beginning of the journey. Therefore, from the first days, it is worth taking care of psychological support, avoiding risky situations, and building new, sober habits. At Nasz Gabinet, you have the opportunity to receive an e-prescription for Acamprosate – a medication that reduces alcohol cravings. E-prescription Acamprosate

First Days After the Implant – What Does the Patient Feel?

In the first days after implantation, the patient may experience both physical symptoms related to wound healing and emotional reactions resulting from the new life situation. This is a time of adaptation to functioning without alcohol and with new protection in the form of the implant. Physically, the patient may feel mild pain in the implant area, a feeling of skin tension, fatigue, and emotional hypersensitivity. Some people may also experience insomnia or irritability, not so much because of Esperal itself, but because of giving up alcohol. From an emotional point of view, anxiety, uncertainty, mood swings, as well as a sense of relief and motivation for change may appear. In some patients, there is also strong mobilization to maintain abstinence. However, over time, the body may begin to feel the absence of alcohol. During this period, negative feelings may appear, which sometimes lead to breaking abstinence. For this reason, appropriate psychological and therapeutic care is particularly important, as it provides real support in moments of doubt.

How to Get Used to Life with an Implant?

The first weeks after Esperal implantation are a time of intense changes, not only in the physical sphere, but primarily in the psychological sphere. For the implant to fulfill its function as a tool supporting sobriety, the most important thing is conscious adaptation to a new lifestyle. Building New Habits After Esperal implantation, it is worth introducing a regular daily rhythm, healthy habits, or physical activity. New rituals, such as walking, reading, or sports, help fill time and maintain motivation for sobriety. Avoiding Risky Situations Places and people associated with drinking should be avoided. Contact with alcohol, even the smell or symbolic "0%", can provoke breaking abstinence. Assertiveness and avoiding pressure from the environment are particularly important. Psychological Support and Therapy The implant is help, but not a solution to the problem. Addiction therapy and support groups teach how to deal with the causes of alcoholism and prevent relapses. Life with an implant is a chance to regain control over one's own life, provided that it is not based solely on fear of the consequences of drinking, but on conscious work on oneself and striving for lasting change.

What Can Help in Adaptation After the Procedure?

It is worth learning to recognize emotions and respond to them in a healthy way. These help, among others:

• deep breathing and relaxation

• physical activity

• activities requiring attention (e.g., hobbies, manual work)

• conversation with a loved one or therapist

It is also worth engaging your closest environment. Loved ones can give strength, motivation, and a sense of security, provided they are aware of the recovery process.

First Days After the Implant – Foundation for a New Life

The beginning of the journey to sobriety can be difficult. However, it is a turning point at which real change begins. Each day of sobriety strengthens motivation, and visible results give strength for further work. The implant is not the goal, but a tool. Real change happens when it goes hand in hand with engagement in therapy and readiness to build a new, healthier life.

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