One-Day Surgery
Alcohol Implant – Esperal (Disulfiram)
An alcohol implant with disulfiram (Esperal) is a minor surgical procedure used as a supportive therapy in the treatment of alcohol dependence. The medication is slowly released into the bloodstream and blocks the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase. Consuming alcohol while disulfiram is present in the body leads to a rapid accumulation of acetaldehyde, causing a strong and unpleasant reaction (flushing, tachycardia, nausea, vomiting).
The effectiveness of the method is based on the patient’s conscious avoidance of alcohol due to the risk of this reaction. The procedure itself is short, performed under local anesthesia, and does not require hospitalization.
Mechanism of Action of Disulfiram
Disulfiram blocks aldehyde dehydrogenase in the liver. After alcohol consumption, the concentration of acetaldehyde rises 5–10 times higher than normal, causing facial flushing, palpitations, nausea, hypotension, and anxiety. These symptoms typically appear within 10–30 minutes and may last for several hours.
Indications and Eligibility for Alcohol Implant
- Maintenance therapy to support abstinence in patients diagnosed with alcohol dependence who have provided written consent for treatment.
- No alcohol consumption for at least 48 hours (preferably 72 hours) before implantation.
- Good general health, without acute infections; exclusion of liver failure and severe psychiatric disorders.
Disulfiram Implantation (Esperal Implant) the so-called “Esperal implant” is a short procedure performed under local anesthesia, during which several tablets of the drug are placed subcutaneously. Disulfiram inhibits the enzyme that breaks down alcohol. The implant itself causes no symptoms, but consuming even a small amount of alcohol triggers a sudden and unpleasant reaction (the so-called disulfiram reaction), discouraging further drinking and supporting abstinence. The procedure takes about 30 minutes, and the patient can return home the same day. The full aversive effect typically lasts 8–12 months.
Disulfiram Reaction – What to Expect
Even a small amount of alcohol, such as 10 ml of vodka or 250 ml of beer, may trigger symptoms including flushing, chest tightness, heart rate over 120 bpm, shortness of breath, severe nausea, and anxiety. In more severe cases, arrhythmias or a sudden drop in blood pressure may occur. For this reason, strict abstinence is required, and patients should also avoid products containing alcohol (such as syrups, mouthwashes, or alcohol-based cosmetics).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the implant work?
Can the implant be removed?
Can I drink non-alcoholic beer?
See also
LipofillingLiposuction CystoscopyHysteroscopyVaricose Vein Treatment – Venex SystemSclerotherapy – Varicose and Spider Vein TreatmentPhimosis treatmentIntrauterine Device (IUD) Insertion under General AnesthesiaSurgical TreatmentsTreatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)Facial Plastic SurgeryCircumcisionEar Plastic SurgeryForeskin Plastic SurgeryBody Plastic SurgerySurgical Removal of Skin LesionsStem Cell TherapyMinor Surgical / Proctological Procedures