Treatment of alcohol addiction

Implantation of Teturam, which induces aversion to alcohol.
7. Treatment with Xenon therapy.
8. Online support for treatment monitoring.
9. Use of the Thai preparation Kratom.
10. Possibility of a retreat on the island of Phangan.

The set of measures is designed for one year, after which one can forget about alcohol dependence.

Disulfiram (Teturam, Esperal) is a medication used for the treatment of chronic alcohol dependence. Its action is based on creating an extremely unpleasant reaction to alcohol consumption, forming an aversion to alcoholic beverages in the patient.

Mechanism of Action
Disulfiram blocks the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase, involved in alcohol metabolism. Normally, ethanol is converted to acetaldehyde, which is then broken down into acetic acid. Under the influence of disulfiram, acetaldehyde accumulates in the body, causing the following symptoms:
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Severe skin flushing
* Headache
* Rapid heartbeat
* Feeling of heat
* Lowered blood pressure
These reactions begin 10–30 minutes after alcohol consumption and can last for several hours.

Indications for Use
1. Treatment of chronic alcoholism.
2. Prevention of relapses in patients wishing to stop alcohol consumption.
Disulfiram is used only in motivated patients who understand the importance of abstaining from alcohol.

Dosage
* Initial dose: 500 mg per day for 1–2 weeks.
* Maintenance dose: 250–500 mg per day.
* The medication is taken orally, in the morning, on an empty stomach.
Alcohol consumption must be avoided for at least 12 hours before starting treatment.

Side Effects
1. Common:
* Drowsiness
* Fatigue
* Metallic taste in the mouth
2. Rare but serious:
* Hepatotoxicity (liver damage)
* Neurological disorders (e. g. , peripheral neuropathy)
* Psychosis
3. Reaction to alcohol:
* Flushing of the face and neck
* Nausea, vomiting
* Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
* In severe cases, arrhythmia, collapse, or even death may occur.

Contraindications
* Alcohol intoxication
* Severe heart diseases
* Mental disorders (e. g. , psychosis)
* Pregnancy and lactation
* Liver and kidney diseases
* Allergy to disulfiram or its analogs

Precautions
Patients should avoid even small doses of alcohol, including:
* Alcohol-based medications (e. g. , drops or syrups)
* Products containing ethanol (confectionery, vinegar)
* Alcohol-containing cosmetics (lotions, perfumes).

Effectiveness
Disulfiram does not cure alcoholism but helps prevent relapses. The medication is effective as part of a comprehensive approach, including psychotherapy, counseling, and support.

Analogs
* Esperal
* Teturam

The implantation of the drug "Teturam" (or its disulfiram-based analogs) is a method of treating alcoholism, where the active substance is introduced into the subcutaneous fat tissue or muscle, where it is gradually released into the body.

How and where is the implantation performed?
1. Area of introduction:
* The drug is usually implanted under the skin in the area of the shoulder blade, buttocks, or abdomen.
* Thighs are used less frequently.
2. How the procedure is performed:
* The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
* The doctor makes a small incision through which disulfiram tablets (ampoules) are introduced into the subcutaneous fat tissue.
* The wound is sutured and covered with a sterile dressing.
3. Amount of drug:
* The amount of drug introduced depends on the duration of the implantation and the individual characteristics of the patient.

For how long is Teturam introduced?
* The duration of action depends on the dosage and can be:
* 6 months
* 12 months