Chemical protection against alcohol in Astana

Reviewed byOlga Smirnova, MDAddiction psychiatrist, experience 27 years · updated 8 Nov 2026

Key facts

ICD-10 code

F10.2

Who provides care

An addiction physician in a treatment room

Where

At the clinic in Astana; sometimes possible at home after a medical workup

Duration

The procedure takes 20–60 minutes; the period of effect is chosen with the doctor

Anonymity

No registry, medical confidentiality under the law of the Republic of Kazakhstan

When it is urgent

If the person feels unwell after drinking alcohol — call 103 or 112 immediately

Outcome

Support for sobriety for the chosen period as part of comprehensive treatment

What you should know

Chemical protection is chosen when a person has decided not to drink but fears relapsing at a difficult moment, and a surgical implant does not suit or frightens them. It is a form of alcohol “coding” (a treatment widely used in Kazakhstan and CIS countries). For relatives, it is often the first real chance to see their loved one sober for a long time. But it is important to understand that chemical protection is not a “vaccine against alcoholism”: it works only with the person’s consent and together with other kinds of help. Below we explain how the procedure works and how the family can help.

In Astana, we hear from families in which someone works rotational shifts, often travels on business or works a demanding schedule, so regular doctor’s visits are difficult for them. Chemical protection is done in a single visit after preparation and requires no incision. The Narcology 24 doctor sees patients at a clinic that is easy to reach from Yesil, Almaty and Baikonur districts, Saryarka and Nura. Relatives can start with an online consultation.

When chemical protection may suit your loved one

• the person wants to stop drinking and agrees to medication support
• an implant does not suit them because of a fear of incisions or skin characteristics
• there have already been relapses after attempts to quit without a doctor’s help
• they have not been drinking for the required period and are ready for a workup and tests
• there is no serious heart, liver or kidney disease and no mental disorder
• the person is ready to stay in regular contact with the doctor in the first months
• the family is ready to create a sober environment at home and support the decision

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 chemical protection works and why preparation matters

Medications of different groups are used for chemical protection. Some disrupt the metabolism of alcohol (disulfiram-type therapy), so when the person drinks, alcohol breakdown products build up: a hot flush, redness, a racing heart, nausea and a drop in blood pressure appear. Others — opioid receptor antagonists — reduce the craving for alcohol and the pleasure from it. The person knows in advance how the medication works, and this helps them resist the first drink.

Because the reaction to alcohol with sensitizing medications can be dangerous, a medical workup and a period of sobriety are needed before the procedure. Chemical protection right after a binge is unacceptable. Astana’s long winters, with frost and wind, fewer walks and more time at home, are a period of higher risk for many people. It is worth discussing with the doctor in advance how to get through those months sober.

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 Astana

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 Astana: 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 — 6 Auezova St., office 37, Astana and 176 Imanova St., Astana. When indicated, we arrange admission and transport.

Confidential and private

in Astana 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