Frequently Asked Questions

The treatment of alcoholism should not be limited only to antabuse (disulfiram) treatment. This kind of treatment only supports and helps to succeed in the either ambulatory or hospital psychotherapy that is the basic treatment of alcoholism.

Antabuse (disulfiram) implant acts on liver cell metabolism. It blocks aldehyde dehydrogenase – an enzyme that is responsible for detoxifying the body with alcohol. After alcohol consumption appears in the body accumulation of its toxic metabolite – acetaldehyde. It leads to presence of life-threatening symptoms such as: decreases in blood pressure, cardiovascular collapse, myocardial infarction and stroke.

Apart from antabuse (disulfiram) implant there is also available disulfiram in tablets that can be taken orally. Only once placed antabuse (disulfiram) implant releases working substance for up to one year. Oral tablets must be used everyday. Those alcohol addicted on oral tablets often stop treatment. Such a situation is impossible after antabuse (disulfiram) implant placement. The secretion of the drug into the body may be discontinued only after re-treatment consisting of removing previously placed implant.

After the procedure an absolute ban on drinking alcohol is necessary. Alcohol consumption during antabuse (disulfiram) implant treatment can cause life-threatening symptoms. The symptoms of alcohol intolerance may also occur after applying liquids containing alcohol (eg liquid mouthwash, sauces, vinegars, cough syrups, warming agents, aftershave lotions and other food and cosmetics containing alcohol. 8 days after the procedure skin sutures have to be taken off.