Delirium tremens: emergency help in Astana

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

Key facts

ICD-10 code

F10.4

Who provides care

An ambulance crew, then addiction physicians and psychiatrists in an inpatient unit

Where

Only in an inpatient unit — delirium must not be treated at home

Duration

The acute phase usually lasts from a few days to a week, followed by recovery

Anonymity

Medical confidentiality under the law of the Republic of Kazakhstan; anonymous treatment in a private inpatient unit

When it is urgent

As soon as hallucinations, confusion or seizures appear — call 103 or 112

Outcome

Recovery from psychosis, prevention of complications, an addiction treatment plan

What you should know

If, after a binge, your loved one has started having “visions,” is talking to people who are not there, does not recognize you or does not understand where they are, this may be delirium tremens. It is a medical emergency in which, without treatment, serious complications and death are possible. The most important thing to do right now is to call 103 or 112. Below we explain how to behave until the doctors arrive, what you must not do, and how to prevent delirium in the future.

Delirium most often begins on days 2–4 after a long binge is stopped abruptly, frequently in the evening or at night. In Astana, families sometimes mistake the first signs for ordinary insomnia or “nerves” and wait until morning. Winter is especially dangerous: a confused person may go out into the frost and wind without realizing where they are. Our specialists advise relatives and treat delirium in an inpatient setting.

Signs of delirium tremens the family may notice

• the person sees things that are not there: insects, animals, people, “threads” on their skin
• they do not know where they are, confuse day and night, and do not recognize loved ones
• severe shaking, heavy sweating, a rapid pulse, a raised temperature
• sudden fear and anxiety, a feeling that they are being followed or that someone wants to harm them
• they have not slept for several nights in a row, are restless and talk to someone who is not there
• seizures or brief loss of consciousness after stopping a binge
• they try to run away, climb out of a window or go outside without clothes

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 delirium tremens happens and who is at risk

Alcohol withdrawal delirium is a severe form of withdrawal syndrome. It develops when alcohol is stopped abruptly after prolonged, heavy drinking and the nervous system cannot readjust. The risk is higher with many years of addiction, long binges, previous seizures or delirium, liver disease, exhaustion, head injuries and infections. Delirium does not come “from a single drink”: it is the result of long-term strain on the body.

Many families in Astana face a situation where the person decided to “quit” on their own, stopped abruptly, and a couple of days later strange things began to happen. That is why, after a long binge, it is safer to stop under a doctor’s supervision. If your loved one has had delirium tremens before, the risk of it recurring during the next binge is higher — it is important to plan inpatient care right away rather than wait for symptoms.

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

In astana you can get help at home, at one of our two branches (6 Auezova St., office 37, Astana, 176 Imanova St., Astana) 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 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