Esperal / Disulfiram Alcohol Implant Bydgoszcz

The alcohol implant (Esperal) is a subcutaneous implant containing disulfiram – a substance that blocks alcohol metabolism in the body. The procedure involves placing tablets under the patient's skin, most often in the buttock or thigh area. After implantation, the drug is gradually released into the body, maintaining action for up to 12 months.

Disulfiram blocks the aldehyde dehydrogenase enzyme, which is responsible for the breakdown of acetaldehyde – a toxic product of ethyl alcohol metabolism. Under normal conditions, acetaldehyde is quickly converted into harmless acetic acid. After implantation, this process is blocked.

After consuming even small amounts of alcohol with the implant, acetaldehyde accumulates in the body, triggering a disulfiram reaction – a set of very unpleasant symptoms:

• severe nausea and intense vomiting,
• throbbing headache,
• rapid heartbeat (tachycardia),
• sudden blood pressure drop,
• flushing of face and neck,
• shortness of breath and feeling of suffocation,
• intense sweating,
• feeling of heat throughout the body.

Symptoms appear within 5-10 minutes of alcohol consumption and can last for several hours. Reaction intensity depends on the amount of alcohol consumed, drinking pace, and individual patient metabolism. In extreme cases, with consumption of larger amounts of alcohol, the disulfiram reaction can be life-threatening.

The implant releases disulfiram gradually over 8-12 months. Exact duration of action depends on several factors:

• patient's individual metabolism,
• disulfiram dose and concentration in the implant,
• patient's body mass,
• lifestyle and physical activity.

At Nasz Gabinet Bydgoszcz, we offer implants with varying disulfiram concentrations – from minimum (Basic package) to maximum (Exclusive package), which allows adjusting the strength and duration of action to individual patient needs.

The alcohol implant is an effective tool supporting alcohol addiction therapy. Main benefits:

• Prevents relapse to drinking – awareness of inevitable disulfiram reaction effectively discourages reaching for alcohol.
• Provides time for therapy – 8-12 months of abstinence allows working with a psychotherapist on addiction causes.
• Increases impulse control – patient knows that even momentary weakness will have serious consequences.
• Rebuilds relationships – period of sobriety enables repair of family and social relationships.

Psychological aspect of implant action

On a psychological level, the implant acts as a strong deterrent. The patient, knowing that any alcohol dose will trigger intense, unpleasant symptoms, begins avoiding situations related to drinking. Over time, this conscious control transforms into an abstinence habit.

Many patients describe that the implant gives them a "sense of security" – they know that even in a moment of weakness, when strong drinking urge appears, consequences will be serious enough to stop them from reaching for alcohol. This is particularly important in the first months of abstinence, when body and psyche adjust to functioning without alcohol.

Technically yes – some patients try drinking alcohol despite the implant, hoping the reaction will be mild. This is very dangerous. Disulfiram reaction intensity depends on:

• amount of alcohol consumed,
• drinking pace,
• individual metabolism,
• patient's overall health condition.

With small doses, symptoms may initially be mild, giving a false sense of security. However, sudden increase in alcohol dose, dehydration, or body weakness can trigger full life-threatening reaction. Hospitals admit patients who drank "without consequences" for weeks, until serious complications occurred.

At our clinic at ul. Górki 17A in Poznań, we have been performing Esperal implantations since 2015. We serve patients from the entire Greater Poland Voivodeship and surrounding areas. Convenient location ensures easy access by public transport and car.

At Nasz Gabinet Bydgoszcz, we offer five Esperal alcohol implant packages, adapted to various needs and budgets. All procedures are performed in sterile outpatient conditions, with complete local anesthesia.

Basic Implant Bydgoszcz – 799 PLN

Basic alcohol implant is a package with disulfiram in minimum concentration, suitable for patients with shorter addiction history or as first step in aversive therapy.

The package includes:

• medical consultation before procedure,
• disulfiram implantation in minimum concentration,
• individual dose adjustment to health condition,
• procedure under local anesthesia (approx. 30 minutes),
• non-absorbable stitches removed after 10-14 days,
• free follow-up visit.

Basic Implant is particularly recommended for people who want additional barrier against reaching for alcohol and need effective pharmacological support on the path to sobriety. Minimum disulfiram concentration means milder but still effective aversive reaction.

Standard Implant Bydgoszcz – 799 PLN

Standard alcohol implant contains disulfiram in medium concentration – option recommended for most patients. Ensures effective aversive action throughout implantation period.

Package includes:

• medical consultation and procedure qualification,
• disulfiram implantation in medium concentration,
• procedure in outpatient conditions,
• intramuscular antibiotic administration – additional infection protection,
• non-absorbable stitches,
• free follow-up visit after 10-14 days.

Standard Implant is solution for patients needing stronger support than basic package. Medium disulfiram concentration ensures pronounced aversive reaction, effectively discouraging drinking. Intramuscular antibiotic minimizes post-operative infection risk.

6h Detox + Implant Package Bydgoszcz – 1899 PLN

6h Detox + alcohol implant is comprehensive solution for patients after alcohol binge who cannot independently maintain 24-hour abstinence required before implantation.

Procedure consists of two stages:

1. 6-hour detox under doctor and nurse supervision: hydrating drips, blood pressure stabilization, withdrawal syndrome symptom relief.
2. Implant implantation in standard concentration after patient condition stabilization.

Package price includes: detox, implantation, intramuscular antibiotic, follow-up visit.

12h Detox + VIP Implant Package Bydgoszcz – 2499 PLN

12h Detox + VIP implant is extended package for patients requiring longer detox and stronger pharmacological support.

Package includes:

1. 12-hour detox under 24-hour medical care: intensive hydration, vital parameter monitoring, complete body stabilization.
2. VIP implant implantation in high disulfiram concentration.

Package price includes: 12h detox, VIP implant (high concentration), absorbable stitches, antibiotic, supporting medication prescriptions, follow-up visit.

VIP Implant Bydgoszcz – 1099 PLN

VIP alcohol implant is extended package with disulfiram in high concentration, ensuring stronger and potentially longer aversive action.

VIP package includes:

• disulfiram implantation in high concentration,
• absorbable stitches – no visit required for removal,
• intramuscular antibiotic,
• prescription for alcohol craving reduction medication,
• prescription for implant action enhancing medication,
• free follow-up visit.

Exclusive Implant Bydgoszcz – 1900 PLN

Exclusive alcohol implant is premium package with disulfiram in maximum concentration, intended for patients requiring strongest pharmacological support.

Package includes everything in VIP plus additionally:

• disulfiram in maximum concentration,
• 2 additional medical consultations – can be used for follow-up visits or discussing further treatment plan,
• complete set of supporting medications (prescriptions),
• absorbable stitches.

Which package to choose in Poznań?

Package choice depends on individual patient situation:

• Basic Implant Bydgoszcz (799 PLN) – for people with short addiction history, as first step in aversive therapy.
• Standard Implant Bydgoszcz (799 PLN) – recommended for most patients, optimal cost-effectiveness ratio.
• VIP Implant Bydgoszcz (1099 PLN) – for people with longer addiction history, requiring stronger pharmacological support.
• 6h Detox + Implant Bydgoszcz (1899 PLN) – when patient cannot independently maintain abstinence before procedure.
• Exclusive Implant Bydgoszcz (1900 PLN) – for patients needing maximum support and additional consultations.
• 12h Detox + VIP Implant Bydgoszcz (2499 PLN) – for patients after alcohol binge requiring intensive detox and high-concentration implant.

In case of doubts, doctor at Nasz Gabinet Bydgoszcz will help select appropriate package during consultation.

Our clinic in Poznań serves patients from the entire Greater Poland Voivodeship and surrounding areas. Thanks to excellent location and frequent PKP connections, it's easy to reach us from every city in the region.

Nearby towns with good access to Bydgoszcz:

• Gniezno
• Konin
• Piła
• Leszno
• Kalisz
• Oborniki
• Swarzędz
• Luboń
• Murowana Goślina
• Szamotuły
• Środa Wielkopolska
• Września
• Kórnik
• Mosina
• Puszczykowo
• Stęszew
• Kostrzyn
• Pobiedziska
• Buk
• Tarnowo Podgórne

Easy access by public transport (PKP, PKS) and car. Parking available at clinic for patients.

Why choose Bydgoszcz for implant procedure?

Bydgoszcz as capital of Greater Poland offers best transport accessibility for patients from entire region. Frequent PKP, PKS connections and city transport make visits convenient even from distant towns.

Before Esperal implantation procedure, meeting specific criteria and excluding medical contraindications is necessary. Qualification process considers both health aspects and patient readiness to follow recommendations.

Who can use implant procedure in Poznań?

Alcohol implant is available for people who:

• are 18 years or older,
• consciously consent to procedure and understand its consequences,
• can maintain abstinence for minimum 24-48 hours before procedure (or use detox),
• accept necessity of complete alcohol avoidance throughout implant action period,
• have no medical contraindications to implantation.

Qualification begins with detailed medical interview. Doctor assesses patient disease history, current health condition, taken medications, and addiction history. Important element is ensuring patient fully understands possible effects of alcohol consumption with implant.

Contraindications for Esperal implantation

We do not perform alcohol implant procedure in people with following conditions or states:

• Disulfiram allergy or other medication ingredients – absolute contraindication.
• Severe heart and circulatory diseases – heart failure, recent heart attack, unstable coronary disease.
• Liver failure – disulfiram is metabolized in liver, serious organ damage excludes procedure.
• Kidney failure – impaired drug metabolite excretion.
• Mental illnesses – psychoses, severe depression, personality disorders in decompensation phase.
• Epilepsy – disulfiram may lower seizure threshold.
• Peripheral neuropathy – drug may intensify symptoms.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding – lack of safety data.

Additional limitations

Intoxication state – patient cannot be under alcohol influence on procedure day. Minimum 24-hour abstinence required, optimally 48 hours. With cessation difficulties, we offer alcohol detox.

Drug interactions – inform doctor about all taken medications. Particularly significant are:

• metronidazole (Metronidazole, Flagyl) – may intensify disulfiram action,
• anticoagulant drugs (warfarin),
• phenytoin (antiepileptic drug),
• isoniazid (antituberculosis drug).

Discuss your medical history in detail with doctor before procedure to avoid adverse effect risks.

Qualification process at Nasz Gabinet Bydgoszcz

Procedure qualification at our clinic proceeds as follows:

1. Telephone interview – initial assessment whether patient may be procedure candidate.
2. Medical consultation – detailed examination, disease history discussion, contraindication assessment.
3. Informed consent – patient signs procedure consent after familiarizing with possible consequences.
4. Appointment scheduling – procedure can be performed same day (if patient is sober) or after detox.

Alcohol implant implantation procedure at Nasz Gabinet Bydgoszcz is performed by experienced specialist doctors who ensure patient safety and comfort at every procedure stage.

1. Consultation and qualification

First step is detailed medical interview. Doctor:

• learns patient addiction history,
• assesses current health condition,
• verifies possible contraindications,
• discusses taken medications,
• explains implant action and possible alcohol consumption effects,
• selects appropriate package and disulfiram concentration.

At this stage, additional tests may be necessary (e.g., morphology, liver tests) if doctor deems it advisable.

2. Procedure preparation

Before Esperal implantation, patient must maintain abstinence from alcohol for 24-48 hours. This is crucial for safety – alcohol presence in body during implantation may trigger immediate disulfiram reaction.

In case of alcohol cessation difficulties, we offer alcohol detox at clinic. 6-hour detox under doctor supervision allows safe body cleansing and proceeding to implantation same day.

Before procedure, inform doctor about all taken medications and existing conditions.

3. Implant implantation

Procedure is performed under local anesthesia, making it completely painless. Procedure proceeds as follows:

1. Disinfection of procedure site (usually buttock or thigh area).
2. Local anesthesia administration.
3. Making small skin incision (about 1-2 cm).
4. Introducing disulfiram tablets under skin using special tool.
5. Wound closure with stitches (non-absorbable or absorbable, depending on package).
6. Applying sterile dressing.

Entire procedure takes about 20-30 minutes. Patient goes home same day, hospitalization not required.

4. Follow-up visit

After 10-14 days from procedure, we invite for free follow-up visit. During visit:

• doctor assesses wound healing,
• in case of non-absorbable stitches – removes them,
• discusses further treatment and support plan.

Follow-up visit is included in every package price.

Procedure safety

Alcohol implant implantation is procedure with high safety profile. At Nasz Gabinet Bydgoszcz:

• we use only original Esperal preparations from verified suppliers,
• all tools are sterile and disposable,
• clinic meets sanitary requirements for surgical procedures,
• every patient is monitored during and immediately after procedure.

Complications after properly performed procedure are rare and usually limited to local discomfort in first healing days.

Proper implantation site care is crucial for proper healing and avoiding complications. Below are detailed recommendations.

Wound care

Healing usually takes 7-14 days. During this period:

• Avoid wetting wound for first 2-3 days – protect dressing from direct water contact during bathing.
• Do not touch wound with dirty hands – infection risk.
• Apply dressings according to doctor recommendations – regular change to sterile ones.
• Avoid physical exertion for a week – intense movement may delay healing.
• Do not remove stitches yourself – non-absorbable stitch removal occurs during follow-up visit.
• Avoid pressure on implantation site – e.g., do not sit directly on wound.
• Wear loose clothing – tight clothes may irritate procedure site.

Symptoms requiring doctor contact

Contact clinic immediately if you notice:

• increasing redness around wound,
• significant implantation site swelling,
• purulent or foul discharge from wound,
• fever above 38°C,
• severe pain at procedure site (not relieved by painkillers).

Above symptoms may indicate infection requiring antibiotic treatment.

Products to absolutely avoid

With alcohol implant, completely avoid alcohol and products containing it:

• Alcoholic beverages – beer, wine, vodka, liqueurs, non-alcoholic beer (may contain trace amounts).
• Alcohol-containing medications – cough syrups, heart drops (e.g., hawthorn tincture), stomach drops, some throat sprays.
• Dishes with alcohol – wine sauces, liqueur desserts, alcohol-soaked cakes, fondue.
• Fermented products – kefir, buttermilk (in large quantities), some pickles.
• Chemical products – solvents, nail polish removers, disinfectant fluids (avoid inhaling vapors).

Always read product composition – alcohol may appear under various names: ethanol, alcohol denat., spiritus.

Return to daily activities

After Esperal implantation procedure, most patients can:

• Next day – return to office work, drive car (if not experiencing anesthesia effects).
• After 3-5 days – perform light physical work.
• After 7-10 days – return to full physical activity, gym exercises.
• After 2 weeks – swim, use sauna (after complete wound healing).

In case of doubts about specific activities, always consult with doctor by phone or during follow-up visit.

The alcohol implant does not cure alcoholism itself – it is effective support in maintaining abstinence, providing time to work on psychological addiction causes. Alcoholism is chronic disease requiring comprehensive therapeutic approach.

Recommended alcohol addiction treatment model

To effectively support person in fighting addiction, we recommend following therapy scheme:

1. Alcohol detox – safe body cleansing from alcohol under medical supervision. Relieves withdrawal syndrome symptoms and prepares for further treatment.
2. Esperal implant implantation – pharmacological abstinence support for 8-12 months. Provides therapy time without drinking relapse risk.
3. Individual psychotherapy – work with therapist on addiction mechanisms, trigger identification, learning stress and difficult emotion coping without alcohol.
4. Group therapy – experience exchange with other sober people, social support, support network building.
5. Supporting pharmacotherapy – alcohol craving reducing medications (naltrexone, acamprosate, topiramate), sedatives or antidepressants if needed.
6. Family therapy – rebuilding relationships with loved ones, communication learning, understanding addiction impact on whole family.

Why implant alone is not enough?

Implant blocks physical alcohol drinking possibility by triggering unpleasant reaction. However, it does not solve problems that led to addiction:

• psychological mechanisms (e.g., drinking as stress coping method),
• environmental factors (e.g., social pressure),
• coexisting disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety),
• thinking and behavior patterns reinforced by years of drinking.

Without psychotherapy, after implant action ends, there is high risk of drinking return. Therefore, we encourage all patients to use comprehensive treatment program.

Support at every recovery stage

At Nasz Gabinet Bydgoszcz, we do not leave patients alone after procedure. We understand that path to lasting sobriety is process requiring time and support. We offer:

• regular follow-up visits monitoring progress,
• telephone contact possibility for questions or doubts,
• crisis situation support,
• help finding support groups in Poznań,
• cooperation with patient family (with consent).

We encourage using full therapeutic program, which significantly increases lasting abstinence maintenance chance.

Anti-alcohol injection does not exist in Poland. The only registered and available pharmacological implantation method in alcohol addiction treatment is Disulfiram WZF – implantation tablets, popularly called alcohol implant or Esperal.

Patients often ask about "anti-alcohol injection" or "aversive injection", however such drug form is not available in Poland. All "anti-alcohol injection" offers may be fraud attempt or concern preparations not registered for distribution on Polish market.

Performing alcohol implant with home visit to patient is theoretically possible, however we strongly advise against it. Disulfiram implantation procedure requires sterile medical conditions that cannot be ensured in home conditions.

Why should procedure be performed at clinic?

• Sterility – disulfiram tablets must be completely sterile. Any contamination increases infection risk.
• Surgical conditions – procedure requires skin and subcutaneous tissue incision, which must occur in sterile environment.
• Medical equipment – appropriate surgical tools and dressing materials.
• Patient safety – immediate reaction possibility in case of complications.

For patients who cannot independently reach clinic due to alcohol binge, we offer detox with home visit – after health condition stabilization at home, safe transport to clinic for implant procedure in safe conditions is possible.

Alcohol implant removal is possible but difficult and performed only in exceptional medical situations. Disulfiram implant gradually grows into tissue, complicating its complete removal.

When is implant removal considered?

Removal procedure is considered only in cases of:

• allergic reaction to disulfiram,
• serious health complications requiring immediate intervention,
• urgent surgical operation requiring alcohol-containing medication administration.

Removal procedure limitations

• Surgical procedure – removal requires surgeon intervention, not simple procedure.
• Incomplete removal – part of disulfiram may have already absorbed into body, so aversive effect may persist for time after removal.
• Documentation – only implants performed at given facility are removed (medical documentation required).
• Additional tests – if necessary, ultrasound examination is performed for implant localization.

Nasz Gabinet Bydgoszcz position

Implant removal at patient request who simply wants to return to drinking is not practiced by us. Treatment goal is lasting abstinence, not enabling addiction return. We encourage consulting any doubts with doctor – often problems can be resolved without implant removal.

Nasz Gabinet Bydgoszcz offers comprehensive addiction treatment approach, combining medical professionalism with individual support for each patient.

Experienced specialist team

Esperal implantation procedures are performed by doctors with years of addiction treatment experience. Our team:

• conducts detailed consultation before each procedure,
• selects optimal disulfiram concentration for patient needs,
• ensures professional care at every treatment stage,
• offers support for questions or doubts after procedure.

Highest quality outpatient conditions

Clinic at ul. Górki 17a, 60-204 Bydgoszcz meets all sterility requirements for surgical procedures:

• modern medical equipment,
• complete aseptics – infection risk minimization,
• comfortable patient conditions,
• nearby parking availability.

Complete discretion

We understand that addiction treatment is delicate matter. We guarantee:

• complete patient data confidentiality,
• no addiction-related markings on documents,
• discreet clinic location,
• individual appointment scheduling possibility.

Flexible appointments

Clinic is open daily from 8:00 to 20:00, including Saturdays and Sundays. Thanks to this, you can schedule visit at convenient time without taking work leave.

Registration:

• by phone: 880 808 880
• through online e-registration system on website

Comprehensive addiction treatment

Alcohol implant is one therapy element. At Nasz Gabinet Bydgoszcz, we offer full range of services supporting alcohol addiction treatment:

• Alcohol detox – safe body cleansing under doctor supervision.
• Addiction psychotherapy – individual and group.
• Supporting pharmacotherapy – alcohol craving reducing medications.
• Psychiatric consultations – in case of coexisting disorders.

How to reach clinic?

Address: ul. Górki 17a, 60-204 Bydgoszcz

Clinic is in convenient location with easy access by both public transport and car. Parking available nearby.

Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 8:00 – 20:00

Registration: 880 808 880 or online e-registration