Coding for alcohol abuse (alcohol abuse treatment) in the clinic MedicoMente – Kiev, Ukraine

Coding for alcohol addiction is now the most common method that is used to consolidate a stable result of inpatient treatment, and as an independent method to treat those who actively abuse alcohol. Thanks to the use of modern drugs and methods of their administration, it is one of the most effective, evidence-based and justified method of treating alcohol addiction.

Coding for alcohol addiction involves the implantation (introduction) of Disulfiram-based drugs (Esperal Disulfiram, Tet Long, Antabuse, etc.) into the body, which provide a chemical blockade of the enzyme – alcohol dehydrogenase – and block ethanol-oxidative activity, inhibit the splitting of highly toxic ethanol containing substances, their metabolites and decomposition products in the body. This is the only adequate and justified method that ensures a stable continuous protection of the body to alcohol, enhances the therapeutic effect of the primary treatment.

Implants are extended forms of long-acting pharmacological antialcoholic drugs essentially new in their effect, the presence of which in the human body provide a constant concentration (depot) of the drug in the blood. They depend on the form and duration of active exposure (half-life), exist in the form of an injection depot, i.e. a suspension of the active substance, Disulfiram, in an oil solution for intramuscular administration (exposure period – 1 to 2 months), an implant in the form of capsules with a high content of the active substance is surgically implanted into the muscle or adipose tissue (the period of active exposure is from 6 to 12 months).

Do not forget that the above drugs are available in tablet and aqueous solution dosage forms and intended for daily oral use. But often their efficacy is much lower than prolonged depot forms (anti-alcohol implants). First, the half-life and elimination period from the body is 12-24 hours. Secondly, their low efficacy is due to the fact that patients simply forget or deliberately stop taking it.

The drugs used for coding are Disulfiram or Esperal, provide a constant therapeutic concentration of the blocker in the body, inhibiting the process of alcohol biochemical breakdown. Once alcohol or alcohol-containing food products enter the blood, it triggers an instant response from disulfirame, i.e. symptoms of acute alcohol intoxication (poisoning), which is manifested by:

• severe dizziness and general weakness, chills, double vision;
• skin reactions – itching, urticaria, hyperhidrosis;
• nausea, retching, often severe vomiting;
• cardiac reactions – abrupt interruptions in cardiac functions;
• shortness of breath, asthma attacks, up to a complete lack of breath;
• impairment or loss of consciousness – often collapse, stupor, coma.

These symptoms are extremely unpleasant, dangerous for humans, and can lead to irreversible consequences!

Coding is often used for people suffering from drug addiction: technically the principle is similar to the “coding for alcohol addiction” but in these cases, a depot form of the Naltrexone-based drug (Naltrexone, Antoxone, Vivitrol), a competitive blocker of opioid receptors of nociceptive and antinociceptive system, is used. It directly binds to opioid receptors, in the case of exogenous intake of opium-containing substances at the initial stage, does not cause drug intoxication and euphoria; however, an increase in their blood concentration causes a sharp intoxication (overdose) with depression of respiration and cardiac activity. It is most effective for addiction to opioid and their synthetic analogues (Opium, Heroin, Oxycodone, Methadone, Buprinorphin, etc.). The drug is non-toxic, safe and non-addictive.

Implanting an ampoule for alcohol or drug addiction treatment creates an effective concentration of a pharmacological drug-blocker in the body, inhibits the desire to take surfactants, maintains a stable condition of the patient.

P.S.! PLEASE REMEMBER! Coding for alcohol or drug addiction should be done exclusively in a specialized clinic by a certified NARCOLOGIST, if it has a sterile, equipped intensive care unit, which will avoid complications and secondary infection! Use only certified drugs! Be sure to check the packaging, its integrity, conformity of the contents! PLEASE NOTE! On the territory of Ukraine, extended forms of drugs exist exclusively in the form of an oil solution for intramuscular administration (for a period of 1 and 2 months), in the form of subcutaneous depot implants (for a period of 3, 6 and 12 months) and in tablet form (12-24 hours).

P.S.! Do not let yourself be fooled as to the compliance of the “implant” itself, the ways of its introduction and the timing of the therapeutic effect! There is no extended forms of anti-alcoholic and anti-narcotic drugs for intravenous use, and their active therapeutic effect cannot be 3, 5, 10 or more years !!! Check it in Google!

Coding treatment starts with:

• initial visit to a narcologist, examination by an anesthesiologist (free of charge);
• laboratory tests (complete blood count and biochemistry, tests for alcohol and/or drug content in urine, blood, etc.);
• complete physical diagnostics (screening tests – US, ECG);
• mental health assessment (psychopathological disorders);
• determination of the severity of addiction (the presence of physical and mental injuries, disorders).

In case of acute intoxication at the time of consultation, life-threatening conditions, physiological or psychological dysfunction, the following is recommended:

• pre-detoxification of the body (relief of acute withdrawal symptoms);
• stabilization and restoration of affected organs and systems, impaired body functions” restoration of the gastrointestinal, nervous, liver and kidney functions with the use of certified medicines and licensed equipment (3-10 days);
• psychotherapeutic support at all stages of preparation;
• other techniques as per indications.

The patient receives recommendations for coding after consulting medical specialists, and, if necessary, after the completed pretreatment.

Coding takes place in a specialized, sterile ward, by a medical specialist, a narcologist, following a pre-selected program.

Our clinic uses the combined methods of coding.

Our clinic uses only certified depot implants: Disulfiram, Esperal, Naltrexon (USA), or drugs for intramuscular use, such as Vivitrol (EU), Tet Long (Ukraine).

8-12 hours after the coding (based on Disulfiram-contained drug), the patient undergoes a physiological challenge to check the susceptibility to alcohol, which confirms its effect with an additional “coding for alcohol”. The treatment is provided exclusively in the intensive care unit by an experienced anesthesiologist-resuscitator.

During the next year after the completed full course of treatment at MedikoMente, the patient is staying under outpatient control. The patient contacts with a medical specialist, undergoes follow-up tests and consultations. For medical reasons, the use of a prolonged blocker implant can be continued.

Coding for alcohol addiction in Kyiv is possible only in the absence of the following contraindications:

• Pregnancy, breastfeeding (lactation);
• Pathological diseases (oncology, etc.);
• Acute cardiovascular disorders (heart attack);
• Acute cerebral circulation disorders (stroke, hemorrhage);
• Acute hepatic and/or renal failure, active cirrhosis;
• Skin infections at the proposed site of the implantation;
• Mental illness and disorders (schizophrenia, dementia);
• Individual intolerance to drugs (based on Disulfiram and/or Naltrexone), after additional testing.

Coding can cause negative consequences only in the case of consuming alcoholic beverages and alcohol-containing products.

An alcohol blocker makes the patient immediately experience its effect and feel a severe discomfort with the corresponding consequences:

• severe headache;
• convulsions, seizures;
• nausea, vomiting;
• allergic reactions;
• panic attacks;
• cardiovascular and respiratory disorders;
• loss of consciousness, collapse.

All these are just part of the symptoms that may arise against the background of a relapse; the clinic’s specialists are staying constantly in touch with patients and their loved ones, provide trainings and monitoring, constant support for and help to patients.

Before the treatment, the clinic’s specialists provide full information support to the patient about the possible consequences of use of alcohol, and the patient is asked to sign an additional informed consent and a bilateral agreement with the clinic.

All treatment procedures are carried out in MedikoMente, a specialized inpatient clinic, Medical Center of Modern Addiction Medicine, Kyiv.

Address: Medovaia Str., 10., Kalyna horticultural society, Hnedynska village council, Boryspil district, Kyiv region

Comfortable settings, attentive staff, confidentiality, and security will promote your speedy recovery.

Make an appointment:

• fill in the form on our website at https://medicomente.com/kontakty/
  or
• by E-mail: info@medicomente.com
  or
• by phone +38-095 -550-85-25

If necessary, we provide transfer from Kyiv airports and train stations.

Give yourself a chance to enjoy a sober and healthy life!