IV drip for alcohol withdrawal at home in Astana

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

Key facts

ICD-10 code

F10.3

Who provides care

An addiction physician, with a nurse if needed

Where

At the patient’s or relatives’ home in any district of Astana

Duration

The drip itself takes about 1.5–3 hours; with examination and monitoring, up to 4 hours

Anonymity

No registry; data are protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan

When it is urgent

Seizures, hallucinations, chest pain, vomiting blood — call 103 or 112 immediately

Outcome

Less intoxication and fewer withdrawal symptoms, sleep, recommendations for the coming days

What you should know

Relatives often call asking us to “just put a drip in” their loved one, hoping that after it the person will come round and everything will be fine. An IV drip really does help: it relieves intoxication, dehydration, tremor and anxiety. But it is important to understand that this is help at an acute moment, not treatment for addiction. Below we explain how the drip works, what the family will see, how to prepare, and what to do after the doctor leaves.

The composition of the drip is decided by the doctor after an examination, not over the phone. The Narcology 24 addiction doctor takes into account blood pressure, pulse, coexisting illnesses, current medications and the length of the binge. In Astana, we make house calls to both banks — Yesil, Baikonur and Almaty districts, Saryarka and Nura — as well as to Kosshy and Koyandy. In winter, during frosts and strong winds, it is better not to take a weakened person across the whole city if help can be provided at home.

When your loved one needs an IV drip for a drinking binge

• after several days of drinking, the person cannot eat or keep water down
• their hands shake, their pulse is fast, their forehead is sweaty, and their face is flushed or pale
• they suffer from nausea, vomiting, severe weakness and headache
• they are anxious, cannot sleep and cannot settle down
• they want to stop, but without alcohol they feel too ill
• their blood pressure is unstable, or they have chronic heart or liver disease
• you can see their condition getting worse with every day of the binge

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 the body needs help after a drinking binge

During a binge, alcohol and its breakdown products build up in the body, the fluid and electrolyte balance is disrupted, and the liver, heart and nervous system suffer. The person eats little and often loses fluid through vomiting and sweating. When they stop, withdrawal syndrome develops: anxiety, tremor and a rapid heartbeat. An IV drip replaces fluids and supports the body faster than pills, especially when the person cannot drink or eat.

Many people in Astana work demanding schedules, and a binge often starts after a business trip, a rotation shift or a “hard week,” and then the person is afraid they will not be able to go back to work. This strengthens the temptation to “fix themselves” with more alcohol. Loved ones should know that every additional day of drinking increases the risk of severe withdrawal, so it is better to call a doctor early rather than wait for the weekend.

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