Alcohol coding 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; a psychotherapist for psychotherapeutic methods

Where

At the clinic in Astana; some methods can be done at home after a medical workup

Duration

The procedure takes from 30 minutes to 2 hours; the period of effect is discussed with the doctor

Anonymity

No state registry, medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”

When it is urgent

Coding is not done during a binge — detox comes first

Outcome

Support for the decision not to drink as part of comprehensive treatment, with no “forever” guarantees

What you should know

Many relatives call with the question: “How can I get my husband (father, son) coded?” We tell them honestly right away: coding is impossible without the person’s own consent. It is not a punishment or a way to “force” someone, but a tool that helps those who have decided themselves to stop drinking. Here we explain what methods exist, how to prepare your loved one, what the family can and cannot do, and why coding works better together with psychotherapy.

In Astana, people often put off the decision because of work: demanding schedules, business trips, and fear that colleagues will find out about the treatment. Coding at Narcology 24 is anonymous, with no registry, and usually takes a single visit after preparation. We see patients from all districts — Yesil, Saryarka, Almaty, Baikonur and Nura — and from the suburbs of Kosshy and Koyandy. Relatives can come to the first consultation together with the patient.

When a family should discuss coding with a doctor

• your loved one says they want to quit but cannot manage without support
• binges keep recurring despite promises and attempts to stop
• the person has already been through detox and is ready to stay sober
• work, health and family relationships are suffering because of alcohol
• previous attempts to quit “on willpower” ended in relapse
• the person is ready for a medical workup and a conversation with an addiction doctor
• the family is ready to support sobriety, not just to control

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 coding works and why consent is required

Coding methods can be medication-based — for example, drugs that cause an unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed or that reduce cravings — or psychotherapeutic, based on suggestion and building a commitment to sobriety. All of them work as an “external brake” that helps the person hold on to their decision in difficult moments. But they do not change the reasons why the person drank, which is why psychotherapy matters too.

Coding without the person’s knowledge is impossible and dangerous: medication-based methods can cause a severe reaction if alcohol is consumed, so the patient must know the risks and sign the informed consent themselves. This is enshrined in the law of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Relatives can motivate, offer support and come to the consultation — but the decision is made by the person themselves.

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

Information about your request, diagnosis and treatment is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”. We do not share it with employers, schools, the police or neighbours; the only exceptions are those expressly set by law. A first name is enough to call us, and paid confidential treatment does not mean a registry entry.

Questions and answers