Esperal Poznan – Alcohol Implant Poznan

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 commonly in the buttock or thigh area. After insertion, the medication gradually releases into the body, maintaining effectiveness for up to 12 months.

Disulfiram blocks the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase, which is responsible for breaking down acetaldehyde – a toxic product of ethyl alcohol metabolism. Under normal conditions, acetaldehyde is quickly converted into harmless acetic acid. After implant insertion, 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,
• pulsating headache,
• accelerated heartbeat (tachycardia),
• sudden drop in blood pressure,
• facial and neck flushing,
• shortness of breath and feeling of air deprivation,
• intense sweating,
• feeling of heat throughout the body.

Symptoms appear within 5-10 minutes of alcohol consumption and can persist for several hours. The intensity of the reaction depends on the amount of alcohol consumed, drinking speed, 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. The exact duration of action depends on several factors:

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

At Nasz Gabinet Poznan, we offer implants with varying disulfiram concentrations – from minimum (Basic package) to maximum (Exclusive package), allowing adjustment of strength and duration to individual patient needs.

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

• Prevents return to drinking – awareness of inevitable disulfiram reaction effectively discourages reaching for alcohol.
• Provides time for therapy – 8-12 months of abstinence allows work with a psychotherapist on addiction causes.
• Increases impulse control – patient knows that even momentary weakness will have serious consequences.
• Rebuilds relationships – sobriety period 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 drinking-related situations. 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 a strong urge to drink appears, the consequences will be serious enough to prevent them from reaching for alcohol. This is particularly important in the first months of abstinence, when the 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. The intensity of disulfiram reaction depends on:

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

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

At our office at Górki 17A Street in Poznan, we have been performing Esperal implantations since 2015. We serve patients from the entire Wielkopolska voivodeship and surrounding areas. The convenient location ensures easy access by public transport and car.

At Nasz Gabinet Poznan, we offer five Esperal alcohol implant packages, tailored to different needs and budgets. All procedures are performed in sterile outpatient conditions with full local anesthesia.

Basic Implant Poznan – 799 PLN

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

The package includes:

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

The Basic implant is especially recommended for people who want to gain an additional barrier against reaching for alcohol and need effective pharmacological support on the road to sobriety. Minimum disulfiram concentration means milder but still effective aversion reaction.

Standard Implant Poznan – 799 PLN

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

Package includes:

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

The Standard implant is a solution for patients needing stronger support than the basic package. Medium disulfiram concentration ensures clear aversion reaction, effectively discouraging drinking. Intramuscular antibiotic minimizes post-operative infection risk.

6h Detox + Implant Poznan Package – 1899 PLN

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

The procedure consists of two stages:

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

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

12h Detox + VIP Implant Poznan Package – 2499 PLN

12h Detox + VIP implant is an 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, full body stabilization.
2. VIP implant insertion with high disulfiram concentration.

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

VIP Implant Poznan – 1099 PLN

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

The VIP package includes:

• disulfiram implantation in high concentration,
• absorbable sutures – don't require removal visit,
• intramuscular antibiotic,
• prescription for medication reducing alcohol craving,
• prescription for medication enhancing implant action,
• free follow-up visit.

Exclusive Implant Poznan – 1900 PLN

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

The package contains everything from VIP plus additionally:

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

Which package to choose in Poznan?

Package choice depends on individual patient situation:

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

If in doubt, the doctor at Nasz Gabinet Poznan will help select the appropriate package during consultation.

Our office in Poznan serves patients from the entire Wielkopolska voivodeship and surrounding areas. Thanks to excellent location and frequent PKP connections, it's easy to reach us from any city in the region.

Nearby cities with good access to Poznan:

• 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 the office for patients.

Why choose Poznan for the implant procedure?

Poznan as the capital of Wielkopolska offers the best transport accessibility for patients from across the region. Frequent PKP, PKS connections and public transport make visits convenient even from distant localities.

Before proceeding with Esperal insertion, it's necessary to meet specific criteria and exclude medical contraindications. The qualification process considers both health aspects and patient readiness to follow recommendations.

Who can undergo the implant procedure in Poznan?

The alcohol implant is available for people who:

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

Qualification begins with a detailed medical history. The doctor assesses the patient's disease history, current health condition, medications taken, and addiction history. An important element is ensuring the patient fully understands possible consequences of alcohol consumption with the implant.

Contraindications to Esperal insertion

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

• Disulfiram allergy or other medication components – absolute contraindication.
• Severe heart and circulatory system diseases – heart failure, recent heart attack, unstable coronary disease.
• Liver failure – disulfiram is metabolized in the liver, serious damage to this organ excludes the 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 – medication may intensify symptoms.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding period – lack of safety data.

Additional limitations

Intoxication – patient cannot be under alcohol influence on procedure day. Minimum 24 hours abstinence required, optimally 48 hours. If difficulty with cessation, we offer alcohol detox.

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

• metronidazole (Metronidazole, Flagyl) – may intensify disulfiram action,
• anticoagulants (warfarin),
• phenytoin (antiepileptic drug),
• isoniazid (anti-tuberculosis drug).

Discuss your medical history in detail with the doctor before the procedure to avoid risk of adverse effects.

Qualification process at Nasz Gabinet Poznan

Procedure qualification at our office proceeds as follows:

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

The alcohol implant insertion procedure at Nasz Gabinet Poznan is performed by experienced specialist doctors who ensure patient safety and comfort at every stage.

1. Consultation and qualification

The first step is detailed medical history. The doctor:

• learns patient's addiction history,
• assesses current health condition,
• verifies possible contraindications,
• discusses medications taken,
• 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 the doctor deems it advisable.

2. Procedure preparation

Before Esperal insertion, 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.

If difficulty with alcohol cessation, we offer alcohol detox at the office. 6-hour detox under medical supervision allows safe body cleansing and proceeding with implantation same day.

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

3. Implant insertion

Procedure is performed under local anesthesia, making it completely painless. The 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. Inserting disulfiram tablets under skin using special tool.
5. Closing wound with sutures (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 sutures – removes them,
• discusses further treatment and support plan.

Follow-up visit is included in each package price.

Procedure safety

Alcohol implant insertion is a high safety profile procedure. At Nasz Gabinet Poznan:

• we use only original Esperal preparations from verified suppliers,
• all tools are sterile and disposable,
• office meets sanitary requirements for surgical procedures,
• each 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 – during bathing protect dressing from direct water contact.
• Don't touch wound with dirty hands – infection risk.
• Use dressings according to doctor's recommendations – regular replacement with sterile ones.
• Avoid physical exertion for a week – intense movement may delay healing.
• Don't remove sutures yourself – non-absorbable suture removal occurs during follow-up visit.
• Avoid pressure on implantation site – e.g., don't sit directly on wound.
• Wear loose clothing – tight clothes may irritate procedure site.

Symptoms requiring doctor contact

Contact office immediately if you notice:

• increasing redness around wound,
• significant implantation site swelling,
• purulent or foul-smelling 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).
• Medications containing alcohol – 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.
• Chemicals – solvents, nail polish removers, disinfectants (avoid inhaling fumes).

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

Return to daily activities

After Esperal insertion, most patients can:

• Next day – return to office work, drive car (if not feeling 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).

If in doubt about specific activities, always consult doctor by phone or during follow-up visit.

The alcohol implant doesn't cure alcoholism itself – it's effective support in maintaining abstinence, giving time to work on psychological addiction causes. Alcoholism is a 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 care. Relieves withdrawal syndrome symptoms and prepares for further treatment.
2. Esperal implant insertion – pharmacological abstinence support for 8-12 months. Gives time for therapy without drinking relapse risk.
3. Individual psychotherapy – work with therapist on addiction mechanisms, trigger identification, learning stress coping and difficult emotions without alcohol.
4. Group therapy – experience exchange with other people in sobriety, social support, support network building.
5. Supporting pharmacotherapy – medications reducing alcohol craving (naltrexone, acamprosate, topiramate), sedatives or antidepressants if needed.
6. Family therapy – relationship rebuilding with loved ones, communication learning, understanding addiction impact on entire family.

Why implant alone isn't enough?

The implant blocks physical drinking possibility by triggering unpleasant reaction. However, it doesn't 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, high risk of returning to drinking exists. Therefore, we encourage all patients to use comprehensive treatment program.

Support at every recovery stage

At Nasz Gabinet Poznan, we don't leave patients alone after procedure. We understand that road to lasting sobriety is a process requiring time and support. We offer:

• regular follow-up visits monitoring progress,
• phone contact possibility for questions or concerns,
• crisis situation support,
• help finding support groups in Poznan,
• cooperation with patient's family (with their consent).

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

In Poland, anti-alcohol injection doesn't exist. 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 "aversion injection", however such medication form isn't available in Poland. All "anti-alcohol injection" offers may be fraud attempts or concern preparations unregistered for circulation 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 settings.

Why should procedure be performed at office?

• 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 office due to alcohol binge, we offer detox with home visit – after health stabilization at home, safe transport to office for implant procedure in safe conditions is possible.

Alcohol implant removal is possible but difficult and performed only in exceptional medical situations. Disulfiram implant grows into tissue over time, 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 some time after removal.
• Documentation – only implants performed at given facility removed (medical documentation required).
• Additional tests – if needed, ultrasound performed to locate implant.

Nasz Gabinet Poznan position

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

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

Experienced specialist team

Esperal insertion procedures performed by doctors with years of experience in addiction treatment. 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 concerns after procedure.

Highest quality outpatient conditions

Office at Górki 17a Street, 60-204 Poznan meets all sterility requirements for surgical procedures:

• modern medical equipment,
• full asepsis – infection risk minimization,
• comfortable conditions for patients,
• parking availability nearby.

Full discretion

We understand addiction treatment is delicate matter. We guarantee:

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

Flexible schedules

Office open daily 8:00-20:00, also Saturdays and Sundays. This allows scheduling 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 Poznan we offer full range of services supporting alcohol addiction treatment:

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

How to reach office?

Address: Górki 17a Street, 60-204 Poznan

Office located conveniently with easy access both by public transport and car. Parking spaces available nearby.

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

Registration: 880 808 880 or online e-registration