Alcohol Implant Gdańsk – Esperal in the Tricity

Esperal alcohol implant is a subcutaneous implant containing disulfiram (ATC code: N07BB01) – an active substance used in the treatment of alcohol dependence for over 70 years. The procedure involves placing medication tablets under the skin, from which the active substance is gradually released over 8-12 months.

At Nasz Gabinet Gdańsk, we perform Esperal implantation procedures in sterile outpatient conditions. The implantation takes approximately 30 minutes and does not require hospitalization – the patient returns home the same day.

Key features of the Esperal implant:

• Registered prescription medication in Poland
• Action for 8-12 months without daily pill intake
• Implantation in the buttock area – discreet location
• Procedure under local anesthesia – painless
• No hospitalization – return home the same day

The implant is an element of comprehensive addiction therapy. By itself, it does not cure alcoholism, but creates a pharmacological barrier providing time for psychotherapy and building new habits.

Alcohol implant in Gdańsk

At Nasz Gabinet Gdańsk, we have been performing Esperal implantations since 2015. We serve patients from the entire Tricity and Pomeranian Voivodeship – Gdynia, Sopot, Wejherowo, Tczew, and surrounding areas. The convenient location in downtown Gdańsk ensures easy access by SKM train and car.

Understanding the mechanism of disulfiram action helps patients make an informed treatment decision. Esperal affects ethyl alcohol metabolism in the liver by blocking the aldehyde dehydrogenase enzyme.

Normal alcohol metabolism

1. Ethyl alcohol is converted into acetaldehyde – a toxic substance
2. Acetaldehyde is broken down into harmless acetic acid
3. Acetic acid is metabolized into water and carbon dioxide

What happens with the Esperal implant

Disulfiram blocks the enzyme that breaks down acetaldehyde. After alcohol consumption, the toxin accumulates in the body, triggering a disulfiram reaction:

• Severe nausea and vomiting (within 5-10 minutes)
• Throbbing headache and dizziness
• Flushing of the face and neck
• Rapid heartbeat, palpitations
• Blood pressure drop
• Shortness of breath and chest tightness
• Severe anxiety and distress

The severity of symptoms is proportional to the amount of alcohol consumed. With large doses, the reaction can be life-threatening. Therefore, alcohol consumption with the implant is absolutely contraindicated.

The alcohol implant is intended for individuals with diagnosed alcohol dependence who are motivated for treatment and need additional pharmacological support.

The implant is particularly effective for people who:

• Have difficulty with self-control and need an external barrier
• Have tried to maintain abstinence multiple times without success
• Want to protect themselves from impulsive alcohol consumption
• Have completed detoxification and maintained at least 24-48 hours of abstinence
• Are ready for comprehensive treatment combining pharmacotherapy with psychotherapy

Patient profiles using the implant in Gdańsk:

• High-functioning alcoholic – maintains the appearance of normal professional and family life despite addiction. The implant provides external motivation.
• Weekend alcoholic – drinks heavily on weekends, maintains abstinence during the week. Esperal protects against "weekend relapses".
• Patients after alcohol binges – after detox, the implant provides protection against relapse in the first months of sobriety.

The implant is a supporting tool – complete treatment requires parallel psychotherapy.

Before the procedure at Nasz Gabinet Gdańsk, each patient undergoes medical qualification, during which we exclude contraindications.

Absolute contraindications (excluding the procedure):

• Hypersensitivity to disulfiram
• Severe heart disease – heart failure, coronary disease, myocardial infarction history
• Severe liver or kidney failure
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Mental disorders – psychoses, severe depression, schizophrenia
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Concurrent metronidazole use
• Lack of abstinence (minimum 24 hours)

Relative contraindications (requiring consultation):

• Diabetes – requires stabilization
• Hypothyroidism
• Epilepsy – risk of drug interactions
• Arterial hypertension
• Use of anticoagulants (warfarin)

Drug interactions:

During the implant action, avoid: metronidazole, warfarin, phenytoin, theophylline. Avoid alcohol-based syrups and drops – check medication composition. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are safe.

Proper preparation increases the safety and comfort of the procedure.

Requirements before the procedure:

• Minimum 24-48 hours abstinence – absolute requirement
• Identity document
• List of medications taken
• Information about chronic diseases and allergies

What you DON'T need:

• To be fasting – you can eat normally
• A referral – we accept patients without referral
• To arrange transport – you'll return home independently
• To take time off – most patients return to work the next day

If you can't maintain abstinence:

We offer packages combining alcohol detox with the implant. A 6-hour detox under medical supervision allows for safe cessation of drinking and implantation on the same day. Call: 880 808 880.

The implantation procedure at Nasz Gabinet Gdańsk is performed by experienced physicians in sterile conditions.

Procedure stages step by step:

1. Medical consultation (15 minutes) – medical history, abstinence verification, signing informed consent
2. Preparation of the operative field – disinfection of the buttock area
3. Local anesthesia – the only noticeable injection
4. Skin incision – small cut about 1-2 cm
5. Tablet implantation – placing disulfiram under the skin
6. Wound suturing – 2-3 stitches (dissolvable in VIP/Exclusive packages)
7. Dressing and observation – 15-30 minutes after the procedure

Procedure characteristics:

• Total time at the clinic: 45-60 minutes
• Surgical procedure itself: 15-20 minutes
• Anesthesia: local (lidocaine)
• Pain during procedure: none
• Hospitalization: not required

This is one of the most frequently asked questions. The procedure itself is painless thanks to local anesthesia.

During the procedure:

You only feel a prick when administering anesthesia – comparable to a standard injection. After the anesthetic takes effect, you feel no pain during the incision or implantation.

After the procedure:

When the anesthesia wears off (after 1-2 hours), you may experience:

• Slight tenderness at the implantation site
• Minor swelling and redness
• Feeling of skin tightness

Discomfort is mild and resolves within 2-3 days. If needed, regular paracetamol is sufficient. Avoid ibuprofen and aspirin for the first few days.

Wound healing:

The wound heals within 7-14 days. Non-absorbable stitches are removed during the follow-up visit. The scar is small and becomes virtually invisible over time.

Proper care accelerates healing and minimizes the risk of complications.

Wound care (first 2 weeks):

• Keep the wound dry for the first 3-5 days
• Avoid bathing in a bathtub, pool, natural water bodies
• Shower allowed after 48 hours – avoid the wound area
• Do not remove the dressing for the first 24 hours
• Change the dressing every 2-3 days or when it gets wet

Physical activity:

• First 24 hours: avoid intense exercise
• First 2 weeks: avoid heavy physical work, lifting
• Walking and light activity: allowed from the second day
• Full activity: after 2-3 weeks

Getting to the Gdańsk clinic

Our clinic in Gdańsk is well-connected – easy access by SKM train from the entire Tricity. Patients from Gdynia, Sopot, or Wejherowo reach us without problems. Call 880 808 880 and we'll provide the exact address and directions.

Symptoms requiring clinic contact:

• Increasing redness or swelling
• Purulent discharge or unpleasant odor
• Fever above 38°C
• Severe pain not relieved by paracetamol

The duration of action of the alcohol implant is one of the most common questions from patients in Gdańsk.

What the manufacturer's documentation says

According to the Disulfiram WZF preparation manufacturer's documentation, the implantation procedure can be repeated after 8 months. This is the only official information about the duration of action. In clinical practice, action is observed for 8-12 months, but the exact period depends on individual body characteristics.

What affects the duration of action:

• Metabolism – faster metabolism may shorten the drug release period
• Body mass – larger body mass may affect substance distribution
• Physical activity – intense exercise accelerates metabolism
• Preparation concentration – VIP and Exclusive packages contain higher disulfiram concentration

After 8 months

Disulfiram is gradually eliminated from the body. We do not recommend "testing" the implant with alcohol – the disulfiram reaction may occur even after the expected end of action, as drug elimination is a gradual process.

Repeat procedure

Many patients in Gdańsk opt for re-implantation. The next procedure can be performed after a minimum of 8 months from the previous one. There is no medical limit to the number of procedures – the decision depends on the patient and the attending physician.

At Nasz Gabinet Gdańsk, we offer packages tailored to various needs. All include consultation, procedure, and follow-up visit.

Basic Package – 799 PLN

• Disulfiram in minimum concentration
• Non-absorbable stitches (to be removed after 10-14 days)
• Free follow-up visit

Standard Package – 799 PLN

• Disulfiram in medium concentration
• Non-absorbable stitches
• Intramuscular antibiotic (infection prevention)
• Free follow-up visit

VIP Package – 1099 PLN

• Disulfiram in high concentration
• Absorbable stitches (no removal required)
• Intramuscular antibiotic
• Prescription for alcohol craving reduction medication
• Prescription enhancing implant effectiveness

Exclusive Package – 1900 PLN

• Disulfiram in maximum concentration
• Absorbable stitches
• Intramuscular antibiotic
• 2 free medical consultations
• Complete set of supporting medications

Detox 6h + Implant – 1900 PLN

• 6-hour detox under medical supervision
• Implantation after detox completion
• Ideal for patients after alcohol binges

Our clinic in Gdańsk serves patients from the entire Pomeranian Voivodeship and surrounding areas. Thanks to the excellent location and proximity to SKM trains, it's easy to reach us from any Tricity city and the region.

Nearby towns with good access to Gdańsk:

• Sopot
• Wejherowo
• Reda
• Rumia
• Pruszcz Gdański
• Tczew
• Koszalin
• Lębork

Easy access by public transport (PKP, PKS) and by car.

The reaction to alcohol with the implant is a deliberate therapeutic mechanism, but can be dangerous.

Symptoms of disulfiram reaction:

• Within 5-15 minutes: facial flushing, feeling of heat
• Within 15-30 minutes: severe heart palpitations, shortness of breath, nausea
• Escalating: vomiting, headache, blood pressure drop, dizziness
• In severe cases: consciousness disturbances, convulsions

Intensity depends on:

• Amount of alcohol consumed
• Time since implantation
• Individual sensitivity
• Overall health condition

What to do in case of alcohol consumption:

1. DO NOT drink more alcohol
2. Lie down in a safe place
3. Drink plenty of water
4. With severe symptoms – call emergency services (112)

Inform paramedics about the alcohol implant.

Beware of hidden alcohol:

Reactions can be triggered by: cough syrups, heart drops, mouthwashes, rum desserts, wine sauces, wine vinegar.

With an alcohol implant, you must completely avoid alcohol and products containing it.

Beverages:

• Beer, wine, vodka, liqueurs
• Non-alcoholic beer (may contain trace amounts)
• Drinks and cocktails

Medications containing alcohol:

• Cough and cold syrups
• Heart drops (hawthorn tincture)
• Stomach drops
• Some throat sprays

Food:

• Wine sauces (fresh, uncooked)
• Liqueur desserts
• Cakes soaked with alcohol
• Alcohol-filled candies
• Fondue

Fermented products:

• Kefir, buttermilk (in large quantities)
• Some pickles

Always read product composition. Alcohol may appear as: ethanol, alcohol denat., spiritus.

The alcohol implant does not cure alcoholism itself – it is a support in maintaining abstinence, providing time to work on the causes of addiction.

Why is the implant alone not enough?

Esperal blocks the ability to drink for 8-12 months, but does not change thinking patterns or resolve emotional problems. A patient ending the implant's action without therapy remains a "dry alcoholic" with a high risk of relapse.

Elements of comprehensive therapy:

1. Alcohol detox – safe cessation of binge drinking
2. Esperal implant – pharmacological barrier for 8-12 months
3. Individual psychotherapy – working through causes of addiction
4. Group therapy – peer support
5. Family work – relationship repair
6. Pharmacotherapy – medications for alcohol craving

"Dry alcoholic" – what is it?

The term describes a person who doesn't drink but hasn't undergone therapy. Characterized by: irritability, attempts to control the environment, lack of emotional work, and high risk of relapse.

At Nasz Gabinet Gdańsk, we offer addiction psychotherapy as a complement to the implant.

The Nasz Gabinet facility in Gdańsk offers comprehensive addiction treatment in a convenient location.

Contact details:

• Phone: 880 808 880
• Email: kontakt@nasz-gabinet.pl
• Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 8:00-20:00

Procedure registration:

• By phone: 880 808 880 (daily 8:00-20:00)
• Online: through the e-registration system on the website
• Procedure often possible the same day

Services offered:

• Esperal alcohol implant (all packages)
• Alcohol detox
• Addiction psychotherapy
• Pharmacotherapy (Nalmefen, Naltrexone, Acamprosate)
• Drug and medication addiction treatment

We ensure complete discretion – the facility has no external signage indicating the nature of services.

Choosing the implantation location matters for treatment safety and effectiveness.

Experience and professionalism:

• Experienced physicians specializing in addiction treatment
• Thousands of implantation procedures performed
• Sterile conditions and modern equipment
• Constant medical supervision during the procedure

Comprehensive care:

• Complete qualification before the procedure
• Ability to combine detox with implantation
• Follow-up visit included in package price
• Phone availability 7 days a week

Patient comfort:

• Discreet location
• Short waiting time (often same day)
• Clinic open daily 8:00-20:00, including weekends
• Flexible appointment times

Transparent principles:

• Clear pricing without hidden costs
• Detailed procedure explanation
• Written informed consent
• Information card with recommendations

Anti-alcohol injection does not exist in Poland. The only available method of pharmacological implantation is disulfiram for implantation (Disulfiram WZF) – it's the only registered preparation of this type on the Polish market.

All offers regarding anti-alcohol injections should be treated as fraud, as no such agent has been approved for distribution in Poland. Companies offering "injections" or "ampoules" for injection often exploit the ignorance of patients and their families.

Legal methods of alcoholism pharmacotherapy in Gdańsk

• Alcohol implant (subcutaneous) – disulfiram implanted under the skin, gradually released over 8-12 months
• Oral tablets – disulfiram in tablet form taken daily (Anticol, Esperal tablets)
• Naltrexone – medication reducing alcohol craving, available by prescription
• Nalmefen – medication used "on demand" before risky situations
• Acamprosate – stabilizes neurotransmitter system after alcohol cessation

At Nasz Gabinet Gdańsk, we use only registered, proven preparations. If someone offers you an "anti-alcohol injection" – exercise caution and verify the facility's credibility.

Performing an alcohol implant with a home visit to the patient is theoretically possible, but in practice we strongly advise against it. The procedure requires sterile conditions – it involves cutting the skin and subcutaneous tissue, reaching the muscle, cutting the fascia, and implanting the medication.

Why does the implant require a clinic?

• The preparation itself is sterile and properly packaged to be bacteria-free
• Performing the procedure in home conditions significantly increases the risk of complications and infections
• The clinic ensures proper lighting and positioning during the procedure
• In case of complications, full medical equipment is available
• Sterile surgical instruments require proper storage

Disulfiram implantation procedures in Gdańsk

At Nasz Gabinet Gdańsk, we perform all procedures in properly equipped medical facilities. The clinic is equipped with a sterile treatment station, ensuring patient safety.

We understand that travel may be difficult – that's why we offer flexible working hours (8:00-20:00, including weekends) and serve patients from the entire Tricity. Thanks to SKM trains, it's easy to reach us from Gdynia, Sopot, or Wejherowo.

Removal of the alcohol implant is possible, though relatively difficult. The implant grows into the tissue and is placed deep in the buttock area, so the procedure must be performed by a surgeon.

Conditions for implant removal

• Only implants performed at the given facility are removed – medical documentation makes it known how and exactly where the implant was placed
• If necessary, ultrasound examination is performed for precise implant localization
• The removal procedure requires local anesthesia and is more invasive than implantation
• Removal does not guarantee immediate cessation of the drug's action – part of the disulfiram has already been absorbed into the body

Before deciding on removal

If you're considering early implant removal, first talk to an addiction therapist about the reasons for this decision. Often the desire to remove the implant stems from alcohol craving or pressure from the environment – it's worth working through these issues before making an irreversible decision.

At Nasz Gabinet Gdańsk, we offer consultations with a psychologist who will help assess the situation and make an informed decision.