What is the Esperal Alcohol Implant in Gdynia?
The Esperal alcohol implant is a subcutaneous implant containing disulfiram – an active substance used in alcohol dependence treatment for over 70 years. The procedure involves placing drug tablets under the skin, from which the active substance is gradually released for 8-12 months.
At Nasz Gabinet Gdynia at ul. Franciszka Sokoła 28, we perform Esperal implantation procedures in sterile outpatient conditions. Implantation takes about 30 minutes and does not require hospitalization – the patient goes home the same day.
Key Features of Esperal Implant:
- Registered prescription medication in Poland
- Effective for 8-12 months without daily tablet intake
- Implantation in the buttock area – discreet location
- Procedure under local anesthesia – painless
- No hospitalization – home return the same day
The implant is part of comprehensive addiction therapy. It does not cure alcoholism itself, but creates a pharmacological barrier providing time for psychotherapy and building new habits.
How Does Disulfiram Work in the Implant?
Understanding the mechanism of disulfiram action helps patients make an informed treatment decision. Esperal affects ethyl alcohol metabolism in the liver by blocking the enzyme responsible for breaking down acetaldehyde.
Normal Alcohol Metabolism
- Ethyl alcohol is converted to acetaldehyde – a toxic substance
- Acetaldehyde is broken down to harmless acetic acid
- Acetic acid is metabolized to water and carbon dioxide
What Happens with Esperal Implant
Disulfiram blocks the enzyme that breaks down acetaldehyde. After alcohol consumption, the toxin accumulates in the body, causing a disulfiram reaction:
- Severe nausea and vomiting (within 5-10 minutes)
- Pulsating headache and dizziness
- Facial and neck flushing
- Rapid heartbeat, palpitations
- Drop in blood pressure
- 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 an implant is absolutely contraindicated.
Who is the Alcohol Implant in Gdynia For?
The alcohol implant is intended for people with diagnosed alcohol dependence who are motivated for treatment and need additional pharmacological support.
The Implant is Particularly Effective for Those Who:
- Have difficulty with self-control and need an external barrier
- Have repeatedly tried to maintain abstinence unsuccessfully
- Want to protect themselves from impulsive alcohol consumption
- Have completed detox and maintain minimum 24-48 hours of abstinence
- Are ready for comprehensive treatment combining pharmacotherapy with psychotherapy
Patient Profiles Using Implant in Gdynia:
- High-functioning alcoholic – maintains appearances of normal professional and family life despite addiction. Implant provides external motivation to maintain sobriety.
- Weekend alcoholic – drinks intensively on weekends, maintains abstinence during the week. Esperal protects against "weekend relapses".
- Patients after alcohol binges – after detox, implant provides protection against relapse in the first months of sobriety.
- "Dry drunk" – person not drinking, but without working through addiction causes. Implant provides time for psychological therapy.
The implant is a support tool – full treatment requires parallel psychotherapy.
Contraindications to Esperal Procedure
Before the procedure at Nasz Gabinet Gdynia, each patient undergoes medical qualification, during which we rule out contraindications.
Absolute Contraindications (Excluding Procedure):
- Hypersensitivity to disulfiram
- Severe heart disease – heart failure, coronary artery disease, previous heart attack
- Severe liver or kidney failure
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Mental disorders – psychoses, severe depression, schizophrenia
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Epilepsy
- Concurrent use of metronidazole
- Lack of abstinence (minimum 24 hours)
Relative Contraindications (Requiring Consultation):
- Diabetes – requires stabilization
- Hypothyroidism
- Arterial hypertension
- Use of anticoagulant medications (warfarin)
Drug Interactions:
During implant action, avoid: metronidazole, warfarin, phenytoin, theophylline. Avoid alcohol-based syrups and drops – check drug composition. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are safe.
Detox Before Implant in Gdynia
Esperal implantation requires minimum 24-48 hours of abstinence. For patients after an alcohol binge, we offer a package combining detox with implant.
When Detox is Necessary:
- After an alcohol binge lasting several days or longer
- With withdrawal syndrome symptoms (hand tremors, sweating, anxiety)
- When patient cannot independently maintain 24h abstinence
- With risk of alcohol withdrawal seizures in history
Detox 6h + Implant Package (1900 PLN) Includes:
- 6-hour detox under doctor and nurse supervision
- Hydrating and stabilizing IV drips
- Medications alleviating withdrawal symptoms
- Implant implantation after condition stabilization
- Follow-up visit
Thanks to this solution, the patient can interrupt the binge and protect against relapse on the same day. More about alcohol detox in Gdynia.
Preparation for Procedure in Gdynia
Proper preparation increases procedure safety and comfort.
Requirements Before Procedure:
- Minimum 24-48 hours of 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
- Have a referral – we accept without referral
- Organize transportation – you will return home independently
- Take leave – most patients return to work the next day
If You Cannot Maintain Abstinence:
For patients after an alcohol binge, we offer a Detox + Implant package for 1900 PLN. 6-hour detox under medical supervision allows safe cessation of drinking and implantation on the same day. Call: 880 808 880.
Esperal Procedure Course in Gdynia
Implantation procedure at Nasz Gabinet Gdynia is performed by experienced doctors in sterile conditions.
Procedure Stages Step by Step:
- Medical Consultation (15 minutes) – medical history, abstinence verification, signing informed consent
- Surgical Field Preparation – disinfection of buttock area
- Local Anesthesia – only perceptible prick
- Skin Incision – small cut about 1-2 cm
- Tablet Implantation – placing disulfiram under the skin
- Wound Suturing – 2-3 stitches (absorbable in VIP/Exclusive packages)
- Dressing and Observation – 15-30 minutes after procedure
Procedure Characteristics:
- Total time in office: 45-60 minutes
- Surgical procedure itself: 15-20 minutes
- Anesthesia: local (lidocaine)
- Pain during procedure: none
- Hospitalization: not required
Does Implant Insertion Hurt?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions. The procedure itself is painless thanks to local anesthesia.
During the Procedure:
You feel only a prick during anesthesia administration – comparable to a standard injection. After the anesthetic takes effect, you don't feel pain during incision or implantation.
After the Procedure:
When anesthesia wears off (after 1-2 hours), the following may appear:
- Slight tenderness at implantation site
- Minor swelling and redness
- Skin tension sensation
Discomfort is mild and subsides within 2-3 days. If needed, regular paracetamol is sufficient. Avoid ibuprofen and aspirin for the first days due to bleeding risk.
Wound Healing:
The wound heals in 7-14 days. Non-absorbable sutures are removed during follow-up visit. The scar is small (1-2 cm) and becomes practically invisible over time.
Post-Procedure Recommendations
Proper care accelerates healing and minimizes complication risk.
Wound Care (First 2 Weeks):
- Keep wound dry for first 3-5 days
- Avoid bathing in tub, pool, sea (Baltic Sea!)
- Shower allowed after 48 hours – avoid wound area
- Do not remove dressing for first 24 hours
- Change dressing every 2-3 days or when wet
Physical Activity:
- First 24 hours: avoid intense exercise
- First 2 weeks: avoid heavy physical work, lifting
- Walks and light activity: allowed from second day
- Full activity: after 2-3 weeks
Symptoms Requiring Office Contact:
- Increasing redness or swelling
- Purulent discharge or unpleasant odor
- Fever above 38°C
- Severe pain not relieved by paracetamol
If in doubt, call: 880 808 880 – we are available 7 days a week.
Reaction to Alcohol with Esperal Implant
Reaction to alcohol with an implant is an intentional therapeutic mechanism, but can be dangerous.
Disulfiram Reaction Symptoms:
- Within 5-15 minutes: facial flushing, feeling of heat
- Within 15-30 minutes: strong palpitations, shortness of breath, nausea
- Progressive: vomiting, headache, drop in blood pressure, dizziness
- In severe cases: impaired consciousness, seizures
Delayed Reaction – Why "Nothing Happens":
Some patients claim they drink with implant without symptoms. This is a dangerous illusion. Reaction severity depends on:
- Amount of alcohol consumed
- Speed of drinking
- Individual metabolism
- General health and hydration
With small doses, symptoms may be mild or delayed. This does not mean the implant doesn't work. Sudden dose increase, fatigue, or dehydration can trigger a full life-threatening reaction.
What to Do if Alcohol is Consumed:
- DO NOT drink more alcohol
- Lie down in a safe place
- Drink plenty of water
- With severe symptoms – call ambulance (112)
What to Avoid with Esperal Implant?
With alcohol implant, completely avoid alcohol and products containing it.
Beverages:
- Beer, wine, vodka, liqueurs
- Non-alcoholic beer (may contain trace amounts of alcohol)
- Drinks and cocktails
Medications Containing Alcohol:
- Cough and cold syrups
- Heart drops (hawthorn tincture)
- Stomach drops
- Some throat sprays
Cosmetics:
- Mouthwashes
- Aftershaves
- Aerosol deodorants (avoid direct inhalation)
Food:
- Wine sauces (fresh, uncooked)
- Desserts with liqueur
- Alcohol-soaked cakes (rum babas)
- Alcohol candies (pralines)
- Fondue
Fermented Products:
- Kefir, buttermilk (in large amounts)
- Aged cheeses
- Some pickled foods
Always read product composition. Alcohol may appear as: ethanol, alcohol denat., spiritus.
Esperal Implant Price List Gdynia
The duration of implant action depends on the chosen package and individual patient metabolism.
Alcohol Implant Price List in Gdynia:
Basic Package – 799 PLN
- Disulfiram in minimum concentration
- Non-absorbable sutures (to be removed after 10-14 days)
- Free follow-up visit
Standard Package – 799 PLN
- Disulfiram in medium concentration
- Non-absorbable sutures
- Intramuscular antibiotic (infection prevention)
VIP Package – 1099 PLN
- Disulfiram in high concentration
- Absorbable sutures (no removal needed)
- Antibiotic + prescriptions for supporting medications
Exclusive Package – 1900 PLN
- Disulfiram in maximum concentration
- Absorbable sutures + 2 medical consultations
- Full set of supporting medications
Detox 6h + Implant – 1900 PLN
- 6-hour detox under medical supervision
- Implant implantation after detox completion
Comprehensive Alcoholism Treatment in Gdynia
The alcohol implant does not cure alcoholism itself – it is support in maintaining abstinence, providing time to work on addiction causes.
Why is the Implant Alone Not Enough?
Esperal blocks the ability to drink for 8-12 months, but does not change thinking patterns or solve emotional problems. A patient ending implant action without therapy remains a "dry drunk" with high relapse risk.
"Dry Drunk" – What Is It?
The term describes a person who doesn't drink but hasn't undergone therapy. Characterized by: irritability, attempts to control surroundings, lack of emotional work, and high relapse risk after implant expiration.
Elements of Comprehensive Therapy:
- Alcohol Detox – safe binge interruption
- Esperal Implant – pharmacological barrier for 8-12 months
- Individual Psychotherapy – working through addiction causes
- Group Therapy – peer support
- Pharmacotherapy – medications for alcohol craving (naltrexone, acamprosate)
Patients combining implant with psychotherapy have significantly lower risk of returning to drinking after implant expiration.
Implant Clinic Gdynia – Address and Directions
Nasz Gabinet facility in Gdynia offers comprehensive addiction treatment in a convenient Tri-City location.
Contact Details:
- Address: ul. Franciszka Sokoła 28, 81-603 Gdynia
- Phone: 880 808 880
- Email: kontakt@nasz-gabinet.pl
- Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 8:00-20:00
Transportation from Tri-City and Surroundings:
Excellent location near SKM makes it easy to reach us from the entire Tri-City and Pomeranian Voivodeship.
- Gdańsk
- Sopot
- Rumia
- Wejherowo
- Reda
- Puck
- Kartuzy
- Hel
Parking available at the clinic for patients. Procedure can be performed on the same day after consultation – no need for multiple visits.
Why Nasz Gabinet Gdynia?
The choice of implantation location matters for treatment safety and effectiveness.
- Experienced doctors specializing in addiction treatment
- Thousands of implantation procedures performed
- Sterile conditions and modern equipment
- Follow-up visit included in package price
- Possibility of combining detox with implant
- Telephone availability 7 days a week
- Clinic open daily 8:00-20:00
- Clear pricing with no hidden costs
Book appointment: call 880 808 880 or use online registration.
















