Reviewed byRinat Zhumabekov, MDAddiction psychiatrist, experience 21 years · updated 8 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F10.2
- Who provides it
- A visiting psychiatrist-narcologist and a nurse; later, an addiction specialist and a psychotherapist
- Where
- At home or in a hospital; follow-up support at the clinic and online
- Duration
- Ending the binge 1–3 days, relapse prevention course 3–6 weeks, follow-up support up to a year
- Anonymity
- An unmarked car, no documents, no registry entry
- When it is urgent
- Seizures, hallucinations, delusions, chest pain, vomiting blood, loss of consciousness — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- The binge is ended, withdrawal is relieved, and there is a plan to prevent future episodes
What you should know
A binge is drinking alcohol over many days in a row, during which the person cannot stop on their own: stopping causes severe withdrawal, so they keep drinking to feel better. In ICD-10, episodic binge drinking with dependence syndrome is coded under F10.2. Between binges, a person may go months without drinking, so the people around them often do not see the problem as a disease, even though every binge seriously harms the heart, liver, and brain.
At Narcology 24, treatment for binge drinking has two parts: an emergency part — safely interrupting the current binge — and a planned part — reducing the likelihood of the next one. Home alcohol detox to end a binge in Kazakhstan is available around the clock: an addiction specialist arrives with the necessary equipment and medications. Then, once the person is stable, a relapse prevention program is discussed, because without one binges usually recur and become longer and more severe over time.
Signs of Binge Drinking Alcoholism
- periods of drinking lasting several days in a row, when the person cannot stop
- coming off a binge brings shaking, insomnia, anxiety, and blood pressure spikes
- weeks or months of sobriety between binges, but a binge inevitably happens again
- a binge starts with “just one drink,” whether there is an occasion or not
- during a binge, the person does not eat, does not go to work, and does not answer calls
- each time, the binges get longer and coming off them gets harder
- after a binge — guilt, promises never to drink again, and low mood
If heavy drinking has lasted more than two or three days, or there is shaking, vomiting, blood-pressure spikes or insomnia, you need a doctor rather than stopping alone. Phone advice is free. For seizures, confusion or hallucinations call 103 or 112.
Why Binges Are Dangerous and Why They Keep Coming Back
During a binge, the body is constantly intoxicated, and when the person tries to stop, withdrawal develops. The main risks: 1) seizures; 2) alcohol withdrawal delirium (delirium tremens), which usually develops 2–4 days after drinking stops; 3) heart rhythm disturbances and hypertensive crises; 4) acute pancreatitis and flare-ups of liver disease; 5) dehydration and electrolyte imbalances; 6) injuries and severe depressive states.
Binges recur because of the mechanisms of dependence: between episodes, a pathological craving persists that can be triggered by stress, a celebration, a conflict, or even no apparent reason at all. If treatment is limited to ending the binge, the person remains unprotected against the next episode. That is why, after stabilization, Narcology 24 doctors recommend testing, relapse prevention therapy, and psychotherapy focused on working with triggers.
How a Binge Is Ended and What Treatment Follows
The process: 1) a phone call — the coordinator and doctor ask about the length of the binge, age, chronic illnesses, and previous episodes of seizures and delirium; 2) a short video conversation before the visit if needed; 3) the addiction specialist arrives at the home in Kazakhstan, examines the person, and measures blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen saturation; 4) an IV drip for 1–3 hours with detox solutions, vitamins, and medications as indicated; 5) recommendations for relatives for the next 24 hours; 6) a follow-up visit or a check-in by video.
A binge must not be ended at home if it has lasted longer than one to two weeks with a high risk of severe withdrawal, if there have been seizures or delirium in the past, if there is serious heart or liver disease, diabetes, or pregnancy, or if hallucinations or confusion have appeared. In these cases, inpatient care is needed. In case of seizures, delusions, loss of consciousness, chest pain, or vomiting blood, call 103 or 112 right away.
How we help
IV drip to end a binge
IV therapy replaces lost fluids and electrolytes and speeds up the elimination of alcohol breakdown products. Depending on the person’s condition, the drip includes detox solutions, B vitamins, liver-protecting agents, and medications to protect the heart and normalize sleep. The doctor selects the medications after the examination, rather than using a standard set for everyone.
Withdrawal monitoring
The first 3–5 days after a binge ends are the period of highest risk for complications. The doctor assesses tremor, sweating, anxiety, blood pressure, sleep, and any perceptual disturbances. When indicated, sedatives are prescribed, including benzodiazepines — strictly as prescribed and under supervision. If symptoms worsen, the patient is transferred to the hospital.
Relapse prevention therapy
After stabilization and the required period of sobriety, ways to prevent the next binge are discussed: medication that reduces cravings, or alcohol “coding” (a treatment widely used in Kazakhstan and CIS countries) and chemical protection after testing and with written consent. These methods do not promise sobriety “forever,” but combined with psychotherapy they reduce the risk of another episode.
Psychotherapy for the pre-binge state
Many binges are preceded by a period of growing irritability, anxiety, insomnia, and thoughts about alcohol. A psychotherapist helps the patient and family recognize these early warning signs and seek help in advance. Cognitive behavioral therapy methods are used, along with drawing up a personal relapse prevention plan.
Myths and facts
MythIf a person does not drink between binges, it is not alcoholism
FactLong periods of sobriety do not rule out dependence. The key signs are loss of control once drinking starts and withdrawal syndrome. Binge drinking is one of the patterns of dependence syndrome according to ICD-10.
MythYou can come off a binge simply by gradually reducing the amount
FactCutting down on your own after a long binge often fails and does not protect against seizures and delirium. A doctor assesses how safe it is to stop, and if the risk is high, detox is carried out in the hospital.
MythAn IV drip will cure binge drinking alcoholism
FactAn IV drip interrupts the current binge and eases withdrawal, but it does not eliminate dependence. Without relapse prevention therapy and psychotherapy, the next binge usually happens again.
How a home visit works
- Call or message usThe dispatcher answers 24/7 and in 3–5 minutes checks the person's condition, age, how long the drinking or use has lasted, chronic conditions and the address. No surname needed.
- The doctor sets offAn addiction doctor or psychiatrist comes with equipment and medication. Travel time depends on the district — usually within an hour. If inpatient care or an ambulance is needed, we'll say so straight away.
- Examination and treatmentBlood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation, blood sugar if needed and a neurological check. Then an IV drip or other treatment as indicated, 1–3 hours.
- A plan for the next daysAdvice for the family on what to do overnight and tomorrow, phone follow-up and a repeat visit if needed.
- Further treatmentCoding, psychotherapy, rehab or psychiatric follow-up — once the acute state has passed and the person is ready.
Prices in Kazakhstan
| Initial addiction doctor consultation | 12 000 ₸ |
| Inpatient detox (per day) | 35 000 ₸ |
| Psychotherapy course (8 sessions) | 96 000 ₸ |
| Phone advice | free |
The final cost is agreed before treatment starts. Prices are in tenge and do not constitute a public offer.
Where to get help
“Binge drinking treatment” is available in 45 cities of Kazakhstan: home visits, branch appointments and inpatient care when indicated. Online consultations with an addiction doctor or psychiatrist are available from anywhere in the world. Choose your city at the top of the page to see addresses and visit times.
Confidential and private
Information about your request, diagnosis and treatment is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”. We do not share it with employers, schools, the police or neighbours; the only exceptions are those expressly set by law. A first name is enough to call us, and paid confidential treatment does not mean a registry entry.
Questions and answers
After how many days of a binge is a doctor’s help needed?
The longer the binge, the higher the risk of severe withdrawal. Even after 2–3 days of continuous drinking, stopping on your own can be dangerous, especially with heart disease or a history of seizures. A consultation with an addiction specialist will help assess the risk.
Can I call an addiction specialist if the person does not want one?
The doctor can come and talk, but treatment is possible only with the patient’s consent. If the person refuses but is in a dangerous condition — seizures, delusions, loss of consciousness — call 103 or 112. The clinic does not treat anyone by force.
How long does an IV drip take when ending a binge?
Usually 1–3 hours. Sometimes a repeat procedure is needed the next day. The doctor’s entire visit, with the examination, IV drip, and recommendations, takes about 2–3 hours. Afterward, rest, plenty of fluids, and having a sober family member nearby are important.
What is alcohol withdrawal delirium and when does it occur?
It is an acute psychotic state with disorientation, hallucinations, anxiety, shaking, and disturbed heart function. It usually develops 2–4 days after a binge ends. It is a life-threatening condition that requires calling 103 or 112 and hospitalization.
Can I get “coded” right after a binge?
No. Alcohol “coding” and chemical protection are performed only after detox is complete, the required period of sobriety has passed, testing has been done, and written consent has been given. The required period of sobriety depends on the chosen method and is determined by the doctor individually.
How can the next binge be prevented?
A comprehensive approach is needed: relapse prevention therapy, psychotherapy, recognizing early signs of craving, and an action plan for the patient and family. Follow-up support with an addiction specialist in Kazakhstan in the first months after a binge significantly reduces the risk of another episode.
Sources and methodology
This page was prepared by the Narcology 24 medical editorial team based on:
- International Classification of Diseases ICD-10 and ICD-11, World Health Organization
- Clinical diagnosis and treatment protocols of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”
- NICE (UK) guidelines on alcohol and drug misuse and mental health conditions
- WHO recommendations on the treatment of substance use disorders
This information is for reference only and does not replace a consultation with a specialist. Editorial policy
