Synthetic stimulant (“bath salts”) addiction in Almaty

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

Key facts

ICD-10 code

F15.2

Who provides it

Addiction medicine doctors (narcologists), a psychiatrist, a psychotherapist and the inpatient unit’s medical staff

Where

The clinic’s inpatient unit; initial examination at home; follow-up on an outpatient basis and online

Duration

The acute phase usually takes 10–21 days; rehab lasts from several months

Anonymity

No surname needed if you prefer, no state dispensary registry, full medical confidentiality

When it’s urgent

Psychosis with aggression, suicidal thoughts, chest pain, seizures, fever — call 103 or 112

Outcome

Recovery from psychosis, restored sleep and mental health, and a remission program

What you should know

Calls about “bath salts” are the most unpredictable. A father calls from Turksib district: his son hasn’t slept for four days, has locked himself in his room, taped over his laptop camera and says the neighbors are watching him. The dispatcher immediately asks whether there are threats, weapons, aggression, suicidal thoughts, chest pain or a high temperature. If any of these signs are present, call 103 or 112, and the police if there is a threat. We step in once safety has been ensured.

If the person is willing to talk, I come out, speak calmly, don’t argue with their fears and avoid sudden movements. I measure blood pressure, pulse and temperature: synthetic stimulants overload the heart and can cause overheating. I almost always suggest an inpatient stay — there, the acute period can be managed safely, psychotic symptoms relieved, and the person isn’t left alone with anxiety and insomnia. From Medeu district or from Kaskelen, we transport the patient ourselves.

Signs of “Bath Salts” and Stimulant Use

• insomnia lasting several days, followed by sleeping for 20 hours
• agitation, rapid speech, restlessness, aimless activity
• suspiciousness, fear of being watched, delusions of persecution, hallucinations
• rapid weight loss, dry lips, dilated pupils, blood pressure spikes
• after use — a feeling of emptiness, depression, irritability
• money going missing, debts, disappearing at night, a new circle of friends
• compulsive behaviors: rechecking locks, taking electronics apart, picking at the skin

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 “Bath Salts” Damage the Mind So Quickly

Synthetic cathinones and other stimulants sharply increase the release of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. The effect is short-lived, so the person uses again and again, going without sleep or food for days. Dependence develops very quickly, sometimes within a few weeks. The composition of street mixtures is unpredictable, which raises the risk of severe poisoning. In ICD-10, this type of dependence is coded in section F15, stimulants.

Exhaustion of the nervous system shows up as psychosis with delusions of persecution and hallucinations, severe depression after stopping, and suicidal thoughts. Overload of the cardiovascular system can cause arrhythmias, a heart attack or a stroke, and overheating can damage the kidneys and muscles. Even after stopping, sleep problems, anxiety and low mood can persist for months, which increases the risk of relapse.

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

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