Alcoholism in women in Almaty

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

Key facts

ICD-10 code

F10.2

Who provides it

An addiction medicine doctor (narcologist), a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist; a gynecologist and an internist if needed

Where

At home, in a private room in the inpatient unit, on an outpatient basis and online

Duration

Detox takes 1–5 days; maintenance treatment and psychotherapy last from several months

Anonymity

Complete confidentiality, no registry, visits at a time that suits you

When it’s urgent

Drinking during pregnancy, seizures, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts — call 103 or 112

Outcome

Safe sobriety, treatment of depression and anxiety, and restored health

What you should know

Calls about women are different from the very first minute. Most often it isn’t the husband who calls but the woman herself, in a whisper, during the day while the children are at school. Or an adult daughter who has found bottles behind the washing machine. In these cases, the dispatcher checks whether it is safe to talk and whether we can come while no one else is home. We arrive in Medeu or Bostandyk district without uniforms and without any questions at the entrance to the building, and the first thing I say is that the conversation will stay between us.

In the apartment, I often meet a well-groomed woman who is more ashamed of her condition than she is suffering from the hangover itself. She drinks wine in the evenings, sometimes starts during the day, hides it from her family and blames herself. I measure her blood pressure and ask about sleep, mood, medications and whether she might be pregnant. Quite often, depression or anxiety is hiding beneath the alcohol, and without treating them, sobriety won’t hold. That is why, after the IV drip, we talk not only about alcohol but also about what drives her to drink.

Signs of Alcohol Dependence in Women

• alcohol becomes the main way to relieve anxiety, fatigue or loneliness
• drinking is hidden: bottles are stashed away, wine is drunk alone
• the woman drinks during the day or before her family comes home, just to “get through”
• memory blackouts, irritability and tears for no reason appear
• sleep is disrupted, and interest in her children, work and appearance fades
• in the morning there are shaky hands, a racing heart and anxiety that go away after the first glass
• attempts to cut down end in relapse and guilt

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 Alcohol Dependence Develops Faster in Women

Women’s bodies contain less water, and the enzymes that break down alcohol work differently, so for the same amount of alcohol, the blood concentration is higher. Dependence and organ damage develop faster: alcohol-related liver disease, cardiomyopathy and damage to the nerves and brain appear over a shorter period. Hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause further affect how alcohol acts on the body.

The psychological reasons are different too. Women more often drink alone to numb depression, anxiety, the aftermath of trauma or abuse, or exhaustion from carrying a double load at home and at work. The stigma is also stronger: fear of judgment and of losing their children or family makes women hide the problem for years. That is why treatment must include psychotherapy, work on co-occurring conditions and a sensitive, non-judgmental approach.

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

“Alcoholism in women” in Almaty is available 24/7, including weekends. Home visits: all city districts and nearby settlements. For appointments, Narcology 24 has two branches: 84 Zhandosova St., Almaty and 21 Seyfullina Ave., office 11, Almaty. If you live elsewhere in Almaty and Almaty Region, call us and we'll advise the fastest way to get help.

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