Consultation for families of people with addiction in Almaty

Reviewed byNurlan Isayev, MDAddiction psychiatrist, experience 10 years · updated 8 Nov 2026

Key facts

Who provides it

An addiction medicine doctor (narcologist), and a psychotherapist or psychiatrist if needed

Where

At the clinic, by video call, or at home during a mobile team visit

Duration

About 60 minutes; a course of family sessions starts at 4–6 sessions

Anonymity

You don’t have to give either your own surname or your loved one’s

When it’s urgent

Threats, violence, overdose, seizures, delirium, talk of suicide — call 103 or 112

Outcome

A clear understanding of the situation, a safety plan and a strategy for talking about treatment

What you should know

Most often, the person who calls me at night is not the person with the addiction but their mother. Her son hasn’t left his room for three days and doesn’t answer the phone, and she doesn’t know whether to call a doctor, call the police or wait. On calls like this, I quickly realize that two people need treatment: the person with the addiction, for withdrawal, and the relative, for panic, guilt and the habit of rescuing at any cost. That is exactly why we consider a family consultation full-fledged medical care, not an add-on.

At the meeting, I first ask questions about the person themselves: what they use, how often, whether there have been seizures, aggression or thoughts of death. This is to understand whether there is danger right now. Then we talk about the family: who does what, who gives money, who covers for them at work. Relatives from Turksib district or from Otegen Batyr often come as a couple, and it turns out right there in the office that they are acting in opposite ways and, without meaning to, are helping keep the substance use going.

When Families Need a Consultation with an Addiction Doctor

• you don’t know whether your loved one’s condition is dangerous right now and whether to call a doctor
• every conversation about treatment ends in a fight, promises and another relapse
• the family keeps covering the person’s debts, missed work or lies
• you feel guilty, can’t sleep, feel anxious and can think of nothing but your loved one
• children in the family see adults intoxicated, fighting or behaving aggressively
• your loved one has agreed to treatment, and you need to understand how to support them without controlling them
• a relapse has started after treatment, and it isn’t clear how to respond

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 the Family Becomes Part of the Problem — and Part of the Solution

Addiction changes the whole system of relationships in a household. Relatives gradually adapt: they hide alcohol, pay off debts and call the boss with excuses. It is a natural wish to protect someone, but it shields the person from the consequences of their substance use and weakens their motivation to get treatment. Psychologists call this codependency. Its signs include constant anxiety, controlling behavior and the loss of one’s own interests and health.

International guidelines, including approaches based on reinforcing sober behavior (such as community reinforcement and family training), show that when the family changes its own behavior, the likelihood that the person with the addiction will seek treatment rises noticeably. This is not about ultimatums or fights but about consistent actions, a calm tone and clear boundaries. These are skills that can be learned in a few sessions with a specialist.

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