Introduction:

Coding for alcohol addiction involves the implantation 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.

How do these medications work?

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!

Contraindications:

Coding for alcohol addiction 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.

Possible negative consequences:

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.

Other methods that have been used for aversion therapy include:

• Electrical shock.
• Another type of physical shock, like from a rubber band snapping.
• An unpleasant smell or taste.
• negative imagery (sometimes through visualization)
• Shame.

Conclusion:

Coding therapy along with aversion therapies can significantly help in reducing intractable alcohol addiction and give lasting health benefits to people with alcohol addiction.