Treatment of alcohol addiction with Long-Acting Naltrexone and Disulfiram Implants by Deaddiction psychiatrist in jaipur Disulfiram Implants **Understanding Disulfiram:** Disulfiram is a medication used to treat chronic alcoholism by producing an acute sensitivity to alcohol. It works by blocking the oxidation of alcohol at the acetaldehyde stage, resulting in a high concentration of acetaldehyde in the blood when alcohol is consumed. This accumulation leads to a range of unpleasant symptoms known as the disulfiram-alcohol reaction, including flushing, headache, respiratory difficulties, nausea, vomiting, sweating, chest pain, palpitations, and in severe cases, respiratory depression, cardiovascular collapse, and even death. **How Disulfiram Implants Work:** Disulfiram implants offer a long-term solution by maintaining effective blood levels of the drug for about twelve weeks. The implant is inserted under local anesthesia through a small incision in the lower abdomen or the back of the upper arm, after detoxification and a few initial doses of oral Disulfiram. **Advantages of Disulfiram Implants:** - **Prevents Relapse:** Ensures continuous disulfiram levels, making relapse nearly impossible during the effective period. - **Convenience:** Eliminates the need for daily supervision and avoids arguments about medication adherence. - **Consistency:** Removes the possibility of forgetting to take the medication. - **Reduced Cravings:** Diminishes cravings since the individual knows they cannot consume alcohol without severe consequences. **Disadvantages of Disulfiram Implants:** - **Minor Surgery Required:** Involves a small surgical procedure, leading to a minor scar, tenderness, and bruising. - **Risk of Infection:** There is a slight risk of local infection or inflammation, usually treatable with antibiotics. - **Cost:** Initially more expensive than oral Disulfiram. - **Substitution Risk:** There is a potential risk of turning to other substances as substitutes for alcohol. **Aftercare Counseling:** While disulfiram implants are effective, they must be combined with aftercare counseling to ensure successful social integration and the development of healthy coping mechanisms. Naltrexone Implants **Understanding Naltrexone:** Naltrexone is a narcotic antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. It helps prevent the 'high' associated with heroin and other opioids, thereby reducing the incentive to use these substances. Although naltrexone does not directly eliminate the desire to use opioids, it can reduce cravings in some individuals. **How Naltrexone Implants Work:** Naltrexone implants can provide effective blood levels for a period ranging from eight weeks to one year. The implant is inserted under local anesthesia through a small incision in the lower abdomen or the back of the upper arm, following detoxification and a few initial doses of oral Naltrexone. **Advantages of Naltrexone Implants:** - **Prevents Relapse:** Ensures continuous naltrexone levels, making relapse nearly impossible during the effective period. - **Convenience:** Eliminates the need for daily supervision and avoids arguments about medication adherence. - **Consistency:** Removes the possibility of forgetting to take the medication. - **Reduced Cravings:** Likely reduces cravings since the individual knows they cannot achieve the desired effects from opioids. **Disadvantages of Naltrexone Implants:** - **Minor Surgery Required:** Involves a small surgical procedure, leading to a minor scar, tenderness, and bruising. - **Risk of Infection:** There is a slight risk of local infection or inflammation, usually treatable with antibiotics. - **Cost:** Initially more expensive than oral Naltrexone. - **Substitution Risk:** There is a potential risk of turning to non-opiate substances, including alcohol, as substitutes. **Aftercare Counseling:** Just like with disulfiram implants, aftercare counseling is essential to ensure that individuals develop healthy coping strategies and avoid substituting other substances for opioids. complete addiction treatment with Dr. Shariq Qureshi Dr. Shariq Qureshi, Jaipur's leading psychiatrist, offers both Disulfiram and Naltrexone implants as part of a comprehensive addiction treatment program. These implants, combined with thorough aftercare counseling, provide a robust approach to managing addiction and achieving long-term sobriety. **Consult Dr. Shariq Qureshi for Expert Addiction Treatment:** Take the first step towards recovery by consulting Dr. Shariq Qureshi. His expertise in addiction treatment, combined with advanced implant therapies, can help you regain control of your life and build a healthier, substance-free future.