Disulfiram implant at OpenMed Warsaw and Płock

A disulfiram implant (commonly known as an "alcohol implant") is one of the methods supporting the treatment of alcohol dependence. The procedure consists of administering a preparation containing disulfiram - a substance that disrupts the metabolism of alcohol in the body. In practice this means that after consuming alcohol, severe symptoms of poisoning occur, such as nausea, palpitations, shortness of breath or a sudden deterioration in wellbeing. If you are looking for a safe and discreet place to receive a disulfiram implant in Warsaw, we invite you to OpenMed in Wola or Praga, and to OpenMed in Płock. Our doctors carry out the medical qualification, discuss the course of treatment and answer all questions related to the therapy.

A disulfiram implant does not treat the cause of dependence. It is a method supporting the maintenance of abstinence and works as a form of aversion therapy, that is, one that induces aversion to alcohol consumption. The best results are achieved when the procedure is part of a broader treatment process, also including psychotherapy, psychiatric support or addiction therapy.

How does a disulfiram implant work?

Disulfiram blocks the enzyme responsible for breaking down alcohol in the body. After consuming even a small amount of alcohol, acetaldehyde accumulates, which causes very unpleasant symptoms. The reaction can appear within just a few minutes of drinking alcohol and persist for several hours.

The action of the preparation is protective and motivating for maintaining abstinence. Many people decide to receive a disulfiram implant after completing detox or as an element of further treatment of dependence. However, the patient's conscious decision and readiness to change habits related to alcohol are of key importance.

Jacek Koprowicz, MB, PhD

Wojciech Pabjańczyk, MD

When is a disulfiram implant worth considering?

A disulfiram implant may be helpful for people who have difficulty maintaining abstinence despite earlier attempts to limit drinking. The procedure is often chosen by patients after rehab therapy, after alcohol detoxification, or in situations where drinking relapses occur.

The most common indications for consultation include:

recurrent drinking despite awareness of the problem,
difficulty maintaining abstinence after rehab treatment,
the need for additional support in addiction therapy,
a wish to increase control over alcohol drinking relapses.

The final decision on the possibility of performing the procedure is always made by the doctor after assessing the state of health and ruling out contraindications.

What does the disulfiram implant procedure look like at OpenMed?

Before a disulfiram implant is administered, a medical consultation is required. Our doctors conduct a detailed interview regarding the state of health, chronic illnesses, medications taken and history related to alcohol. An important condition for performing the procedure is maintaining abstinence for a specified time before the visit.

The procedure itself is performed under local anaesthesia and usually takes around a dozen minutes. The preparation is placed under the skin, most often in the buttock area. After the procedure, the patient receives recommendations regarding care of the implantation site as well as information about products and medications containing alcohol that should be avoided.

Safety and further treatment

A disulfiram implant is a medical procedure, which is why it should only be performed after medical qualification. There are contraindications to the use of disulfiram, including certain heart conditions, severe liver diseases or mental disorders. That is why prior consultation and an honest conversation with the doctor are so important.

Our specialists at OpenMed emphasise that a disulfiram implant does not replace addiction therapy. The greatest effectiveness is achieved when the patient simultaneously benefits from psychotherapeutic support and works on changing the mechanisms related to addiction.