Reviewed byRinat Zhumabekov, MDAddiction psychiatrist, experience 21 years · updated 8 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F63.0
- Who provides care
- An addiction doctor (narcologist) or psychiatrist, followed by the clinic’s psychotherapist
- Where
- Crisis home visits in Almaty, appointments at the clinic, online sessions
- Duration
- Crisis visit — 1–2 hours; psychotherapy — 3 to 12 months
- Anonymity
- Medical confidentiality; anonymous treatment with no entry in the state dispensary registry
- When it is urgent
- Suicidal thoughts, threats, or severe intoxication — call 103 or 112 right away
- Outcome
- Easing the acute crisis, regaining control over gambling, and a plan for getting out of debt
What you should know
Told by the on-call doctor of our mobile team. Calls about gambling addiction come at the hardest time — late at night, after a big loss. Most often it is the wife who calls: “He lost the money for the apartment, locked himself in his room, and isn’t answering.” The dispatcher will ask not only about the betting but about what matters most: whether the person has talked about suicide, whether there are weapons or medications at home, whether he has been drinking, and whether there have been similar crises before. If the risk is high, the first step is 103 or 112.
There are usually no signs of intoxication in the apartment — just a phone full of betting apps, loan notifications, and a bewildered family. At night I get to the Medeu or Bostandyk district quickly; the Nauryzbay district or places outside the city, such as Kaskelen, take longer, and the dispatcher stays in touch with the family. My job on the first night is not to lecture but to take the edge off the crisis: assess the person’s condition, make sure they are safe, and agree on the next step for tomorrow.
Signs of Gambling Addiction
- constant thoughts about betting, gambling, and ways to get money to play
- betting ever larger amounts to feel the same thrill and excitement
- chasing losses — a “last bet” that is never the last
- lying to loved ones about money, secret loans and payday microloans, selling belongings
- irritability and anxiety when trying to cut back on gambling
- gambling as a way to escape problems, low mood, or feelings of guilt
- losing a job, studies, or relationships because of gambling and debt
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 Gambling Addiction Develops
Gambling acts on the brain’s reward system in the same way as psychoactive substances: an unpredictable win triggers a powerful release of dopamine, while a loss creates the urge to win it back immediately. Online casinos and betting apps are available around the clock, and bets take seconds to place, so addiction develops faster than it used to. In ICD-10, this disorder is described as pathological gambling.
Risk factors include impulsivity, depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, alcohol misuse, early experience with gambling, financial difficulties, and a belief in a “system” or “luck.” Gambling addiction is often combined with alcohol dependence: the person drinks to relieve tension after a loss. Without treatment, the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts increases, which is why crisis help should not be put off.
How a Crisis Home Visit Works and What Comes Next
After the call, the dispatcher assesses the risk and, if it is high, refers you to 103. If the person is safe, a video conversation is possible even before the doctor arrives. On arrival, I talk with the person one-on-one, assess their mood, sleep, any suicidal thoughts, and alcohol use, and measure their blood pressure and pulse. If anxiety is severe, I prescribe symptomatic treatment. In the morning the family gets a call, and within 1–2 days there is a first meeting with a psychotherapist, in person or online.
We do not leave the person at home if they have specific suicide plans, are severely intoxicated, have psychotic symptoms, or show aggression that threatens others — in these cases an ambulance (103 or 112) and hospital care are needed. Online, it is impossible to assess physical health or prescribe medication. Kazakhstan law does not provide for compulsory treatment of gambling addiction other than by court order.
How we help
Cognitive behavioral therapy
The main method with proven effectiveness for gambling addiction, recommended by international guidelines. The psychotherapist helps the person recognize false beliefs about “luck” and “systems,” identify gambling triggers, and develop new ways of coping with stress and boredom. A course usually takes 8–20 sessions, some of which can be held online.
Motivational interviewing
Many patients are not sure they want to give up gambling completely. The psychotherapist helps them weigh what gambling gives and what it takes away, and strengthens the person’s own decision. The method works well at the start of treatment, when the patient has come at the family’s insistence and is still resisting change. The decision remains the patient’s.
Financial control and barriers
Together with the patient and family, a plan is drawn up: self-exclusion from gambling services, blocking apps and payment transactions, handing control over bank cards to a trusted person for the duration of treatment, and a debt repayment plan. This is not a punishment but temporary protection until self-control skills grow stronger. The terms are discussed openly.
Treatment of depression and co-occurring disorders
If depression, anxiety, insomnia, or alcohol dependence is present, a Narcology 24 psychiatrist or addiction doctor joins the care team. Medication is prescribed only after an in-person examination. Treating co-occurring disorders lowers the risk of relapse and the risk of suicide, so every patient is assessed. This is done in the first weeks.
Myths and facts
MythGambling addiction is just a lack of willpower
FactGambling addiction is a recognized mental disorder described in ICD-10 and ICD-11. It changes how the brain’s reward system works, and willpower alone is usually not enough. Treatment helps restore control.
MythIf you pay off the debts, the problem will be solved
FactPaying off someone’s debts for them without treatment often just prolongs the gambling: new loans appear. Financial help is effective when combined with psychotherapy and control over money during treatment.
MythAfter treatment, you can gamble “just a little”
FactFor most people with gambling addiction, the safe goal is to give up gambling and betting completely. Attempts to gamble “in moderation” usually bring back the old pattern quickly. This is discussed with the psychotherapist.
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
| 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
In almaty you can get help at home, at one of our two branches (84 Zhandosova St., Almaty, 21 Seyfullina Ave., office 11, Almaty) or online if you need a consultation rather than a procedure. The dispatcher answers 24/7 and will tell you straight away which option is safest.
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
What should I do if he says he doesn’t want to live?
Do not leave the person alone, remove medications, weapons, and sharp objects from reach, and call 103 or 112. For children and young people, the 150 helpline is available. Once the immediate danger has passed, we will help with treatment for the addiction and depression.
Can I get treatment without telling my family?
Yes. Treatment is anonymous, with no registry entry, and we do not inform relatives without the patient’s consent. However, family involvement usually helps: loved ones support the financial restrictions and notice early signs of relapse. The patient decides.
How long does treatment for gambling addiction take?
A course of psychotherapy usually takes 3 to 6 months, and up to a year for severe addiction with co-occurring disorders. Maintenance sessions are recommended afterward. The psychotherapist proposes an exact plan after the initial assessment.
Does online psychotherapy help?
Yes, the online format works well for gambling addiction: CBT sessions can be held over video, which is convenient with traffic jams and late working hours. The exception is crisis situations, when an in-person assessment or inpatient care is needed. The format can be changed during treatment.
What should a wife or parents do?
Do not take on the debts without a plan, do not give money “for the last time,” and do not hide the problem from yourself. A Narcology 24 psychotherapist offers consultations for family members, helps set boundaries, and helps prepare for the conversation about treatment.
Can we call a doctor at night?
Yes, crisis home visits are available 24/7, including weekends and holidays. At night after a big loss, the risk is especially high, so do not wait until morning. If there is a direct threat to life, your first call should be to 103 or 112. The dispatcher will tell you the arrival time right away.
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
