Reviewed byRinat Zhumabekov, MDAddiction psychiatrist, experience 21 years · updated 8 Nov 2026
Key facts
- Who provides it
- Addiction medicine doctors (narcologists), a psychiatrist, a psychotherapist, and nurses from the mobile team and the inpatient unit
- Where
- At home, in the clinic’s inpatient unit, on an outpatient basis, plus online follow-up
- Duration
- Detox takes 1–7 days, an inpatient stay usually lasts from a few days to several weeks, and rehab takes months
- Anonymity
- No surname or ID required if you prefer, no state dispensary registry, full medical confidentiality
- When it’s urgent
- Seizures, delirium, overdose, loss of consciousness, suicidal thoughts — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- Recovery from the acute state, stabilization, and a plan for sobriety and relapse prevention
What you should know
A night call to Medeu district: a man in his forties, a senior manager, asks for one thing only — that nobody finds out. The team’s car has no markings, we park by the next entrance and go upstairs like ordinary guests. The call record shows only a first name. This isn’t a courtesy but a working principle: a person who fears exposure will not get treatment, which means they risk ending up with us next time in a much more serious condition.
Anonymity does not mean simplified treatment. We do the same examination, the same IV drips and the same tests as for any other patient, and then we offer the full pathway: inpatient care if it is unsafe to stay at home, medication support, work with a psychotherapist and rehab. The person decides which stages to go through. Our job is to explain the risks of each option and not to leave without a plan for tomorrow. That is how every call at Narcology 24 ends.
When to Choose Anonymous Addiction Treatment
- the person’s job involves responsibility for others, a driver’s license or a firearms permit
- the person refuses treatment for fear that coworkers and neighbors will find out
- there have been previous attempts at treatment, but they were abandoned out of fear of exposure
- drinking or drug use has become daily, or binges recur every few weeks
- complications have appeared: blood pressure problems, liver pain, insomnia, anxiety
- drugs are being used, or alcohol is being mixed with medications
- the family is ready to help, but the person insists on complete confidentiality
If two or three points apply, it is worth seeing a doctor. Phone advice is free and confidential. If life is at risk, call 103 or 112.
Why Anonymity Helps Treatment Work
Stigma is one of the main reasons people with addiction don’t seek help. The World Health Organization (WHO) explicitly names it as a barrier to treatment. A person spends years trying to cope alone, hiding bottles, lying to the family, and eventually reaches a doctor only once the consequences are severe. Being able to get treatment without anyone finding out makes it possible to start earlier, when the chances of lasting remission are higher and complications are fewer.
Anonymity is also important for honest contact with the doctor. A patient who is confident in confidentiality talks about the real amounts, about combining substances, about past relapses and even about suicidal thoughts. This has a direct impact on safety: without an accurate history, it is impossible to choose the right detox and to spot the risk of delirium, seizures or a dangerous drug interaction in time.
How Anonymous Treatment Works: From the First Call to Discharge
It all starts with a phone call or a video consultation: the doctor assesses the person’s condition and suggests a format. If it is safe to stay at home, the team comes out, does an examination, sets up an IV drip and monitors the person for 2–4 hours, then calls the family again in the evening. If the risk is high, the person is admitted to hospital. We cover Turksib district and suburbs such as Talgar as well; in traffic the trip can take more than an hour, so it is important to call early.
Anonymous home treatment is not provided if alcohol withdrawal delirium (delirium tremens) is suspected, or in cases of seizures, serious injury, high fever, signs of overdose, complicated pregnancy or suicidal thoughts — these require calling 103 or 112 and hospital care. To get an official sick note or other official certificates, anonymity will have to be partly lifted: such documents are issued only in the patient’s name.
How we help
Detox
Detoxification IV solutions, B vitamins, liver-protecting medications, correction of electrolytes and symptomatic treatment help the person get through the withdrawal period. Sedatives, including benzodiazepines, are used only when prescribed by a doctor and under supervision. Detox at home is carried out for mild to moderate withdrawal; otherwise, it is done in hospital.
Inpatient treatment
In the clinic’s inpatient unit, the patient is under round-the-clock supervision by doctors and nurses. This is needed for severe withdrawal, co-occurring illnesses, mixing of substances and unsuccessful attempts at treatment at home. Rooms are private, visits are arranged in advance, and only a first name needs to appear in the records. The discharge summary with recommendations is issued under the same name or code.
Medication support
After detox, the doctor may suggest medications that reduce cravings or block the effect of the substance, as well as alcohol “coding” (a treatment widely used in Kazakhstan and CIS countries) or an opioid blockade. All of this is done only after an examination, the required period of sobriety and written informed consent, as part of comprehensive treatment, with no promises that it will work “forever.” The decision is made by the patient.
Psychotherapy and rehab
The psychotherapist works on the reasons for substance use, triggers and refusal skills, using cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing and group sessions. Rehab helps restore a daily routine, relationships and work. In parallel, the family receives counseling so that sobriety is supported at home rather than a relapse being provoked.
Myths and facts
MythAnonymous treatment is a “lighter” kind of treatment
FactAnonymity applies only to the patient’s personal data. The scope of care, the protocols and the safety requirements are the same as for standard treatment: examination, tests, detox, monitoring and rehab.
MythWithout documents, the clinic isn’t responsible for the outcome
FactThe clinic is responsible for the quality of care regardless of whether the patient gave their surname. The contract is concluded on anonymous terms, and the medical record is kept under a code or a first name, with no surname.
MythEven if you’re treated anonymously, they’ll still report you to the police
FactMedical confidentiality is protected by the law of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The clinic does not share information with the police, an employer or an educational institution. The only exceptions are cases expressly specified in law, such as a request from a court or investigators made through the established procedure.
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 Almaty
| Online addiction doctor consultation | 10 000 ₸ |
| In-person addiction doctor consultation | 12 000 ₸ |
| Family consultation | 12 000 ₸ |
| 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
Narcology 24 in Almaty: our duty team makes home visits day and night, usually within an hour (all city districts and nearby settlements). Two branches for appointments and procedures — 84 Zhandosova St., Almaty and 21 Seyfullina Ave., office 11, Almaty. When indicated, we arrange admission and transport.
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
Can I be treated anonymously as an inpatient?
Yes. You can stay in the inpatient unit under a first name or a code, without giving your surname. If you need tests, consultations with other specialists or a discharge summary for further treatment, these are all issued under the same anonymous record. Documents in your surname are issued only at the patient’s request.
Will my employer find out about the treatment?
No, the clinic does not share information with employers. If you need a sick note, it can be issued only in the patient’s name, and then anonymity is partly lifted. Many people prefer to take vacation or a few days off so they can go through detox without any official paperwork.
How long does anonymous treatment take?
Stopping a drinking binge at home takes one to three visits. Inpatient detox usually takes from a few days to a week, and longer for drugs. A full course with psychotherapy and rehab lasts for months, but it can be done on an outpatient basis while continuing to work.
Can I have a loved one treated anonymously without their consent?
No. Treatment at the clinic is voluntary only, with the consent of the person themselves. Involuntary treatment is possible only by court decision under the procedure established by the law of the Republic of Kazakhstan. We can help the family prepare for the conversation and motivate the person to accept treatment.
What should I bring to an anonymous inpatient stay?
A change of clothes, toiletries, a phone charger, a list of medications the person takes regularly, and any discharge summaries you have. ID documents are not required. Alcohol, medications not approved by the doctor and sharp objects are not allowed — these are safety requirements.
Do you work on holidays and at night?
Yes, the mobile team and the inpatient unit work around the clock, including Nauryz, New Year and other public holidays. Holidays are exactly when we get the most calls, so it is best to call as soon as it becomes clear that the person won’t stop on their own.
Where do doctors visit in Almaty and where are the branches?
Home visits cover all city districts and nearby settlements, 24/7. Appointments at two branches: 84 Zhandosova St., Almaty and 21 Seyfullina Ave., office 11, Almaty. Phone in Almaty: +7 (700) 309-29-88.
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
