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Addiction Treatment
& Psychology Services

We can now offer implants, for both opiate and alcohol dependency. Implants are designed to block the effect of opiates and reduce cravings for opiates, alcohol and other drugs. Depending on the implant design they appear to give effective blood levels for between twelve and fifty two weeks on average. Implants can be inserted after detoxification or at the time of detoxifying. The implants are inserted through a 1 cm incision in the lower abdomen. The implants consist of 1 small pellet in the case of a three month implant and 20 small pellets in the case of 12 month implant and are inserted 3-4mm under the skin. If further implants are needed, we recommend that the second one be inserted some time prior to the initial one wears out. Research to date indicates significant individual differences for the level and length of effective blocking opiates and reduction in craving. While muscle mass may be a factor in this variability other factors including psychological, factors may contribute. Due to these variability's, no guarantees are implied or given with regard to the effectiveness of the implants for any individual.

Makes relapse less likely while the implant is active as iot has been shown ot diminsh craviongs for alcohol.
Avoids the need to supervise oral medication and the arguments it can cause.
Makes it impossible to 'forget' to take it.
Probably reduces craving even more than oral medication because there is no craving for what you can't have.

Involves (minor) surgery and a small scar with temporary tenderness and bruising.
Occasional local infection or inflammation of implant site, usually responding to antibiotics or anti-inflammatories.
Initially more expensive than oral medication.
Risk of turning to non-opiate drugs - including alcohol - as a substitute. (Applies almost as much to oral medication)
Variation in level and length of protection due to individual differences.

It must be emphasised that the need for aftercare counselling to allow thorough social integration is not reduced when implants replace oral medication. Aftercare counselling is essential to ensure that healthy and appropriate coping behaviours are learnt, rather than substituting other drugs for alcohol.

These implants have not been produced by a major drug company and should still be regarded as experimental. Like most new drugs or preparations they do not have a product license. However, they appear to do what is claimed for them and it is a very safe drug. The implants contain nothing, which is known to have significant toxic effects. They are particularly useful for patients who have nobody to supervise their oral medication or who think they will be tempted to cheat.

Naltrexone is an opiate antagonist that seems to diminish craving and enhances the regeneration of natural opiate function.