The Esperal implant is often perceived as effective protection against relapse, but many patients are not aware that its action has a very narrow range. Esperal blocks exclusively alcohol metabolism. It does not protect against reaching for other psychoactive substances nor against the development of another addiction.
Esperal and drugs – why does the implant work only on alcohol?
The Esperal implant is based on the action of disulfiram, a drug that inhibits the breakdown of alcohol in the organism. The substance blocks the enzyme responsible for ethanol metabolism, which leads to a rapid increase in acetaldehyde levels. As a result, even a small amount of alcohol causes very strong, unpleasant reactions, including skin flushing, heart palpitations, nausea, shortness of breath, anxiety, and even life-threatening conditions. It is precisely on this aversive reaction that Esperal's action is based. However, disulfiram acts exclusively on alcohol. It does not affect the metabolism of any other psychoactive substances, such as cocaine, amphetamine, marijuana, opioids, or sedatives. This means that the implant provides no protection against drug use nor against the development of another addiction. The organism reacts to drugs with a completely different biochemical mechanism that Esperal does not block.Replacing one addiction with another, or cross-addiction
After the implantation procedure, the patient is aware that drinking will trigger a disulfiram reaction. This causes some people to start avoiding alcohol not because they dealt with the mechanisms of addiction, but because they fear physical consequences. The problem is that the implant does not affect the psychological side of addiction, such as craving, tension, impulsivity, the need to "escape" from emotions, or difficulties in coping with stress. In such a situation, the brain very quickly begins to look for another way to achieve a similar effect. Therefore, the risk of a compensation phenomenon appears – the patient who cannot reach for alcohol may begin to consider substances such as drugs, sedatives, or sleeping pills. However, this phenomenon can be prevented through therapy. Specialists at Nasz Gabinet emphasize that the implant is only a tool in the fight against addiction, but not a magic cure for alcoholism. Addiction is a complex chronic disease that needs to be treated comprehensively. A holistic approach including both medical and psychological treatment gives the greatest chance of overcoming addiction.Esperal implant and drugs – health and therapeutic consequences
Drugs have a faster addiction potential than alcohol. A patient who uses them as a substitute can enter another deep addiction in a very short time. Alcohol acts predictably: its metabolism is well described, and the organism sends clear signals with excessive consumption. Drugs act differently:- doses are difficult to estimate
- composition of substances is often unknown
- organism's reaction is unpredictable
- mixing several substances at once increases the risk of overdose.
Why is the implant alone not enough?
Although the Esperal implant can be an important element of treatment, its action is limited exclusively to physiological reaction. This means that Esperal can stop the patient from reaching for alcohol, but does not affect why the person consumed substances. That is exactly why the implant should never be treated as a standalone form of therapy. Esperal works only physiologically and does not change thinking or habits. Disulfiram blocks alcohol metabolism but does not affect:- emotions
- reaction patterns
- impulses
- way of coping with stress
- substance craving
- psychological and environmental causes of addiction.
When to seek help?
In the case of patients with Esperal implant, quick recognition of the moment when the risk of falling into another addiction appears is extremely important. The earlier one contacts a specialist, the greater the chance of stopping the developing addiction and returning to stable functioning. Without working through the sources of the problem, the patient merely "bypasses" alcohol but does not change the way of reacting to difficult emotions, conflicts, frustration, or loneliness. It is during therapy that the patient learns how not to replace alcohol with another addiction, how to recognize warning signals and stop impulses that may lead to another problem. The implant is most effective in patients who simultaneously use therapy. This combination gives a real chance for lasting sobriety, not just temporary abstinence from drinking.:::cta Need help fighting addiction? Our specialists are ready to help you. Call or schedule an online appointment. Call: 880 808 880 | Schedule appointment :::
