Reviewed byRinat Zhumabekov, MDAddiction psychiatrist, experience 21 years · updated 8 Nov 2026
Key facts
- Who provides it
- A psychiatrist-narcologist experienced in emergency addiction care
- Where
- Wherever the patient is in Arkalyk: an apartment, a private house or a hotel room
- Duration
- A visit takes 1–3 hours on average, including the examination, the procedure and observation
- Confidentiality
- No ID documents and no registry entry; medical confidentiality under the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- When it is an emergency
- Reduced consciousness, seizures, breathing problems, psychosis or chest pain — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- The patient is stabilized and receives the doctor's opinion on next steps and a plan for further treatment
What you should know
A home visit by an addiction doctor is a form of outpatient addiction care in which assessment and treatment take place in surroundings familiar to the patient. This format works well when a person cannot or does not want to travel to a clinic and their condition does not require round-the-clock medical supervision. The doctor arrives with a blood pressure monitor, a pulse oximeter, a glucometer, IV infusion sets and a kit of emergency medications.
A Narcology 24 addiction physician follows a standard sequence: taking the medical history, a physical examination, assessing how severe the condition is, providing treatment and giving recommendations. Requesting an addiction doctor home visit in Arkalyk is anonymous: all you need is the name you prefer to be called by and the address. After the visit, the patient and family receive a clear plan — what to do over the next 24 hours, when a follow-up check is needed and what further treatment for the dependence is possible.
Reasons to call an addiction doctor to your home
- a drinking binge has lasted several days and the person cannot stop on their own
- a severe hangover with tremor, vomiting, a rapid heartbeat and insomnia
- withdrawal after using drugs or sedative medications
- moderate alcohol poisoning in which the person is conscious and responsive
- advice on treating an addiction is needed, but the patient is not ready to go to a clinic
- the family needs a doctor's help to talk with their loved one about starting treatment
- follow-up monitoring at home is needed after discharge from an inpatient unit
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.
How an addiction doctor's home visit differs from an ambulance
The 103 ambulance team provides emergency care when life is at risk and, if necessary, takes the patient to hospital. Its job is to stabilize vital functions. An addiction doctor making a home visit deals with conditions related to dependence: withdrawal syndrome, intoxication that is not life-threatening, and choosing the right approach to further treatment. These types of care do not replace each other — they complement each other.
If during the examination the addiction doctor finds signs that require emergency hospital admission — breathing problems, coma, status epilepticus, suspected heart attack or stroke, or bleeding — they call 103 and provide whatever care is possible until the ambulance arrives. So in a dangerous situation, do not waste time choosing: if life is at risk, call 103 or 112 straight away.
What happens during an addiction doctor's visit: step by step
Before setting off, the doctor may clarify by phone or video call the symptoms, how long the substance has been used, any chronic illnesses and current medications — this saves time on site and helps the doctor bring the right medicines. On arrival, the addiction doctor carries out an examination and measurements, rules out contraindications, sets up an IV drip or provides other treatment and watches how the patient responds, then gives written recommendations and explains to the family what to watch out for.
An online consultation cannot replace an in-person examination when someone is intoxicated or in withdrawal: blood pressure and oxygen saturation cannot be measured over video. Home treatment is not possible in cases of psychosis, seizures, severe heart disease, suspected overdose, use of several substances at once, or pregnancy. In these situations inpatient care or a call to 103/112 is needed.
How we help
Examination and diagnosis
The doctor takes a medical history, measures blood pressure, pulse, temperature, oxygen saturation and blood glucose, and assesses neurological and mental status. If necessary, and with the patient's consent, a rapid drug test is done. Based on the results, the doctor determines how severe the withdrawal is and decides whether home treatment is acceptable.
Detox and correction
The core of urgent care is IV fluid therapy: solutions to replace fluids and electrolytes, B vitamins and, when indicated, liver-protecting medications and drugs that protect the stomach lining. The aim is to reduce the effects of intoxication, restore fluid and electrolyte balance and lower the risk of complications in the first 24 hours after stopping the substance.
Relieving withdrawal
Anxiety, insomnia, tremor and autonomic symptoms are treated with medications from the appropriate groups, including benzodiazepines, strictly as prescribed and supervised by the doctor. Symptomatic treatment is used for opioid withdrawal. Only the doctor decides on dosing, taking into account the patient's condition, weight and other medical conditions.
Consultation and treatment plan
Once the patient is stable, the addiction doctor discusses the next steps with the patient and family: inpatient or outpatient detox, medication support, psychotherapy for addiction and rehab. An important part of the visit is a motivational conversation: the doctor explains the dangers of continued use without pressure or judgment.
Myths and facts
MythAn addiction doctor comes to put you on the registry
FactA paid anonymous home visit has nothing to do with the state narcology registry. The doctor does not pass any information to your employer or other organizations, except in cases expressly provided for by the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
MythAn addiction doctor is only needed for alcoholism
FactA psychiatrist-narcologist treats all types of addiction: to alcohol, drugs, prescription medications and nicotine, as well as gambling. A home visit is possible for intoxication and withdrawal caused by various substances.
MythOnce the doctor is called, treatment will definitely begin
FactAny medical intervention requires voluntary informed consent from a patient with legal capacity. If the person refuses, the doctor does not carry out any procedures but can advise the family and assess whether emergency care is needed.
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 Arkalyk
| Home visit and examination | 12 000 ₸ |
| IV drip at home (standard) | 24 000 ₸ |
| IV drip at home (extended) | 36 000 ₸ |
| 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
Narcology 24 in Arkalyk: 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 — 129 Altynsarina St., office 27, Arkalyk and 26 Gagarina St., Arkalyk. When indicated, we arrange admission and transport.
Confidential and private
in Arkalyk 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
How quickly does the addiction doctor arrive?
Arrival time depends on the distance to the address and traffic; you are usually told the estimated time when you book the visit. If at the time of the call the person is having seizures, breathing problems, has lost consciousness or is hallucinating, do not wait for the addiction doctor — call an ambulance on 103 or 112 immediately.
Are any documents needed to request a visit?
No documents are required for an anonymous visit. It is helpful for the doctor to know about chronic illnesses, allergies, current medications and previous hospital stays. If the patient needs medical paperwork for work or other purposes, this is discussed separately, since such documents can no longer be issued anonymously.
Can I call an addiction doctor for a relative?
Yes, visits are often requested by family members. However, treatment is given only with the consent of the patient. If the person is against it, the doctor can counsel the family: explain how to talk about treatment, which conditions are dangerous and where to turn if things get worse.
What does the addiction doctor do if home treatment is not possible?
The doctor explains to the patient and family exactly which signs make home treatment unsafe and offers admission to the Narcology 24 inpatient unit or another specialized facility. If life is at risk, the doctor calls an ambulance and stays with the patient until the team arrives.
How many times do we need to call the addiction doctor?
One visit is often enough, but after a long binge or with severe withdrawal, a repeat drip may be needed the next day. The doctor decides based on how the patient's condition changes. Scheduled follow-up visits are also used for ongoing monitoring after detox.
Do addiction doctors visit teenagers?
Care for minors is provided with the consent of their legal guardians in the procedure established by the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Children and young people can also call the free 150 helpline — it is anonymous and available if it is hard to talk to their parents.
Where do doctors visit in Arkalyk and where are the branches?
Home visits cover all city districts and nearby settlements, 24/7. Appointments at two branches: 129 Altynsarina St., office 27, Arkalyk and 26 Gagarina St., Arkalyk. Phone in Arkalyk: +7 (700) 309-30-65.
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
