Guangdong Hospital Introduces "Alcohol Withdrawal Chip" Implant Surgery, Allowing Patients to Quit Drinking Without Regular Medication
- Association Secretary
- Mar 29
- 2 min read
A hospital in Guangdong province has recently introduced an "alcohol withdrawal chip" implant surgery, enabling patients with alcohol addiction to achieve sobriety without the need for regular medication.
In today's fast-paced and high-pressure society, some individuals choose to unwind with a drink after work. However, excessive drinking or alcohol dependence may require medical intervention.
This top-tier public hospital in Guangdong has successfully completed its first "alcohol withdrawal chip" surgery for a 45-year-old male patient who has struggled with alcohol addiction for over a decade. The procedure involved minimally invasive implantation of the drug into the patient's body.
Dr. Fan Changhe, head of the Department of Psychiatry at the Second People's Hospital of Guangdong Province, noted, "The surgery went very smoothly and was completed in under five minutes. After the procedure, the patient was able to get up and move normally, with minimal discomfort at the abdominal incision."
Doctors explained that this method allows the drug to be released in the body over an extended period of up to six months, maintaining its therapeutic effect. This approach is likened to setting up a "firewall" in the brain, providing three times the effectiveness of conventional treatments.
Dr. Fan further added, "When alcohol or drugs re-enter the body, they cannot activate the receptors because they are occupied. This indirectly blocks the release of dopamine, eliminating feelings of pleasure and reward."
Experts state that this "alcohol withdrawal chip" technology is suitable for moderate to severe alcohol-dependent patients who have a strong desire to quit drinking.
Research data from the mainland indicates that approximately 35 million people in China struggle with alcohol dependence, and despite receiving treatment, 60% of them relapse and start drinking again within six months.
