The use of disulfiram implantation in alcoholism

Abstract

Sterile tablets of disulfiram were implanted into 47 (5 female) alcoholic in patients; for some patients the procedure was repeated after an interval so that there was a total of 70 operations. The periods of abstinence immediately succeeding the operations were significantly greater than the longest abstinent periods during the two years prior to implantation, and there were usually improvements in the marital, occupational and social adaptation of the patients. Severe side effects were not encountered; wound infection and extrusion of the tablets were the most common complications. Until blood disulfiram levels are monitored it is unclear whether implantation gives a level of disulfiram in the blood adequate to produce a deterring reaction if patients drink. Nevertheless at the present time the operation is a useful supplement to other methods of treatment.