Relapse prevention in Almaty

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

Key facts

Who provides care

The clinic’s psychotherapist and addiction doctor (narcologist), with a psychiatrist if needed

Where

Sessions at the clinic in Almaty, online sessions, doctor home visits in case of relapse

Duration

Usually 3–12 months, with sessions from once a week to once a month

Anonymity

Anonymous, with no registry entry and full medical confidentiality

When it is urgent

A severe binge, seizures, psychosis, an overdose, or suicidal thoughts — call 103 or 112

Outcome

Recognizing early warning signs of relapse, a personal action plan, and longer remission

What you should know

Told by the on-call doctor of our mobile team. The most frustrating calls are the repeat ones. The same address in the Nauryzbay district, the same family; the person was sober for four months — and now there is another binge. When you start asking questions, it turns out the relapse did not begin yesterday: about three weeks ago he stopped going to his sessions, became irritable, slept badly, and “just dropped in on some old friends.” On repeat calls, the dispatcher always asks how long the sobriety lasted and what changed before the relapse.

Holidays are a special time. At New Year’s and Nauryz, at weddings and toi celebrations, there are more calls: a festive table, toasts, “just one to keep everyone company,” and then the old pattern. That is why we start relapse prevention before the person is left alone with a holiday table. The morning after a call, I usually tell the patient: “A relapse is not a verdict, it’s information.” What matters is understanding what led to it and building a plan so that next time we meet not at night but at a scheduled consultation.

Early Warning Signs of an Approaching Relapse

• skipping sessions with the psychotherapist and the group: “no time, and anyway everything’s fine”
• irritability, anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue for no apparent reason
• thoughts like “just once won’t hurt,” memories of the “good times” with alcohol
• returning to old friends and places associated with drinking or drug use
• secrecy, refusing to discuss how you are feeling with loved ones
• strong emotions — anger, resentment, sadness — after conflicts or losses
• stopping medications prescribed by a doctor without discussing it with them

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 Relapses Happen

Addiction is a chronic disease, and relapses are a common part of its course. Changes in the brain’s reward system persist for months after the last use, so stress, fatigue, the sight of alcohol, or a familiar place can sharply intensify cravings. The relapse prevention model described in the international literature shows that a relapse usually begins long before any actual use: first at the emotional stage, then at the mental stage.

The most common triggers are stress at work, family conflicts, loneliness, boredom, holidays, financial problems, lack of sleep, and, paradoxically, a good mood and the feeling that “I’ve got this.” The risk is higher in the first 3–6 months of remission, with co-occurring depression and anxiety, and when there is no support. Understanding your own triggers is the foundation of prevention.

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