Saturday 22 March 2008
Antabuse implants
Antabuse (disulfiram ) is a drug taken by addicts to aid the fight against alcoholism. The intake of alcohol after taking antabuse affects the person whereas it would induce nausea, vomiting, palpatations ,sweating and shortness of breath. Now there is an implant that sits just under the surface of the skin and allows for a regular dosage to be released. This would seem a better option for those who forget to take the tablet form or give into their craving. The regulated dose prevents the body from metabolising any alcohol that is ingested. Imported from Europe there are 100 of the devices at Addiction Treatment and Psychology Services, Sydney. If the implant is a proven success and with such massive advertising programs detailing the pitfalls of alcohol and its abuse, then perhaps it can be made available at a subsidised rate to those in need. Medical cost and the impact on society as well as on a personal level that alcoholism has, would be lessened no doubt. Addiction to alcohol is an illness but the sufferers would have to want the help and/or hit rock bottom to do so. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
When I was at school we had a reformed alcoholic speak to us. He said the only way to give up is if you want to yourself! Amongst the things he got up to when he was under the influence was driving the wrong way down a motorway!!!
Must be a sad existence for them, and I say that without pointing fingers.
He said he woke up one morning in a gutter and wondered what he was doing with his life and decided to get help!
The problem is always in the falling back though and it's doubly worse.
I agree with James here.
Post a Comment