Addiction in teenagers in Almaty

Reviewed byRinat Zhumabekov, MDAddiction psychiatrist, experience 21 years · updated 8 Nov 2026

Key facts

Who provides it

An addiction medicine doctor (narcologist), a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist experienced in working with teenagers and families

Where

At the clinic, by video, or at home in an acute situation

Duration

The initial consultation lasts 60–90 minutes; a course of psychotherapy lasts from several months

Anonymity

No registry, full medical confidentiality; consent of a legal guardian as required by the law of the Republic of Kazakhstan

When it’s urgent

Loss of consciousness, seizures, psychosis, suicidal thoughts — call 103 or 112; children and youth helpline: 150

Outcome

A risk assessment, a plan of help for the teenager and the family, and treatment of co-occurring conditions

What you should know

Calls about teenagers are the most alarming. A mother from Alatau district calls at night: her son came home with dilated pupils, he is talking nonstop, not sleeping, his heart is pounding. Or a father from Talgar has found small baggies in his daughter’s backpack and doesn’t know what they are. The dispatcher will first check the essentials: is the teenager conscious, breathing normally, are there any seizures or chest pain? If there is even one such sign, call 103 immediately.

If there is no acute danger, I come out or join by video. I talk with the parents separately and with the teenager separately, without lecturing. Teenagers notice the slightest hint of judgment and shut down right away, so I explain that my job is not to punish but to understand what is going on and how dangerous it is for their health. Quite often, behind the substance use there is anxiety, bullying, depression or family conflict. That is exactly where real help begins.

Warning Signs in a Teenager

• sudden mood swings, irritability, aggression or apathy
• a new circle of friends, secrecy, lying about where they were and with whom
• falling grades, skipping school, losing interest in former hobbies
• dilated or pinpoint pupils, red eyes, a smell on the breath
• money and belongings going missing, unexplained purchases, small baggies, vapes
• disturbed sleep and appetite, weight loss, staying up and active at night
• statements that life is meaningless or that they don’t want to live

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 Teenagers Are Especially Vulnerable

A teenager’s brain is still maturing: the reward system is already active, while the frontal areas responsible for self-control and weighing consequences keep developing until the age of 20–25. That is why teenagers are more drawn to new sensations and develop dependence faster. At this age, alcohol and drugs can impair memory, learning and emotional development, and they also raise the risk of mental health disorders in adulthood.

The reasons include wanting to be accepted by a group, curiosity, stress at school, bullying, family conflicts and how easy it is to buy vapes and synthetic drugs online. Substance use often masks anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or the aftermath of trauma. A genetic predisposition and addiction in one of the parents also raise the risk. That is why help is needed not only for the teenager but for the whole family.

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