Drug withdrawal treatment in Almaty

Reviewed byOlga Smirnova, MDAddiction psychiatrist, experience 27 years · updated 8 Nov 2026

Key facts

Who provides care

A psychiatrist-addiction specialist (narcologist); for inpatient treatment, the on-duty medical team

Where

At home in Almaty or in the clinic’s inpatient unit with round-the-clock monitoring

Duration

The acute phase usually lasts from 3 to 7–10 days depending on the substance

Anonymity

Medical confidentiality, treatment without state dispensary registration

When it is urgent

Seizures, loss of consciousness, slow breathing, psychosis, suicidal thoughts — 103 or 112

Outcome

Relief of withdrawal symptoms and a transition to treating the addiction itself

What you should know

Calls about withdrawal most often come at night and almost always from family members. A mother, wife or brother speaks haltingly: the person cannot sleep, their body is twisting, their muscles ache, they are freezing one minute and sweating the next. The dispatcher calmly asks questions that may feel awkward at first: which substance, for how long and how often, when the last dose was, whether there have been overdoses, whether there is HIV, hepatitis or heart disease. No one is going to judge the answers — they are needed to choose a safe approach.

Opioid withdrawal is rarely life-threatening in itself, but it is so exhausting that people often relapse within the first 24 hours. Withdrawal from other substances — some sedatives, or heavy alcohol use combined with them — can cause seizures and psychosis. That is why the decision whether to treat at home or go to an inpatient unit is made by the doctor after an examination. Sometimes, in an apartment in the Turksib district, I realize inpatient care is needed, and we arrange the transfer right away.

Signs of Withdrawal Syndrome

• aching muscles and joints, a feeling that the body is being “wrung out”
• chills alternating with sweating, goosebumps, a runny nose and watery eyes
• insomnia, restlessness, inability to sit still
• dilated pupils, frequent yawning, a rapid heartbeat
• nausea, vomiting, cramping abdominal pain, diarrhea
• irritability, anxiety and intense cravings for the substance
• low mood, weakness, loss of appetite

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 Withdrawal Happens and Why It Is Dangerous

With regular use of opioids and a number of other substances, the nervous system adapts to their constant presence. When the substance stops coming in, the systems that were suppressed go into overdrive: hence the pain, sweating, diarrhea, insomnia and anxiety. This is a physiological reaction, not a “whim” or a “lack of discipline,” and few people manage to cope with it through willpower alone, especially without medical help.

The main dangers of withdrawal lie not so much in the symptoms themselves as in their consequences: dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea, flare-ups of chronic illnesses, deep despair with suicidal thoughts. And above all, the risk of overdose after a relapse: after several days without the substance, tolerance drops sharply, and the usual amount can be fatal. I always say this directly to both the patient and the family.

How we help

Myths and facts

How a home visit works

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Further treatmentCoding, psychotherapy, rehab or psychiatric follow-up — once the acute state has passed and the person is ready.

Prices in Almaty

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

in Almaty our doctor can come in ordinary clothes in an unmarked car. Treatment documents are given only to the patient. If you need a certificate or sick note, this is discussed separately and only at your request.

Questions and answers