Alcoholism in women in Astana

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

Key facts

ICD-10 code

F10.2

Who provides it

An addiction doctor and a psychotherapist; a psychiatrist and gynecologist if needed

Where

At home in any district of Astana, in an inpatient unit, or online

Duration

Acute stage — 1–5 days; the program — from several weeks to months

Anonymity

No registry, and nothing disclosed at work or at the children’s school

When it is urgent

Seizures, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, bleeding — call 103 or 112

Outcome

Sobriety, treatment of anxiety and depression, and restored relationships

What you should know

The loved ones of a woman with alcohol dependence are often the last to learn about the problem. She hides bottles in the linen closet, buys alcohol at different stores, and drinks during the day while her husband is at work and the children are at school. On the outside, everything may look fine: the house is clean, dinner is ready. But her husband notices the smell, the mood swings, the forgotten promises, and the children notice that mom has changed. Shame stops her from asking for help, and it stops the family from talking about it out loud.

In Astana, many women carry a double load: work, children, the household, sometimes caring for elderly parents — with no support from relatives, who stayed behind in the regions. Alcohol becomes a way to relieve tension and fall asleep. Narcology 24 specialists understand how important it is to preserve confidentiality and respect, and they help the family start the conversation so that the woman feels care and concern rather than judgment. A doctor will come to your home on either bank of Astana if she is afraid to go to a clinic.

What the Family May Notice

• she has started hiding purchases, throwing away bottles in secret, or drinking alone
• frequent headaches, “feeling unwell” in the mornings, and facial swelling have appeared
• sudden mood swings, tears, irritability, withdrawal
• she drinks “to fall asleep” or “to calm her nerves” almost every evening
• the children say mom is acting strangely or forgetting what was agreed
• the smell of alcohol during the day has appeared, along with chewing gum and perfume to mask it
• she denies the problem or takes sharp offense at any mention of it

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.

What Makes Female Alcoholism Different

In women, alcohol dependence usually develops faster, and organ damage occurs at lower amounts of alcohol. This is linked to differences in metabolism and the distribution of fluids in the body. Dependence is often combined with anxiety disorders, depression, and the aftermath of traumatic experiences. That is why treatment must address not only the alcohol but also the woman’s emotional state.

Shame plays a huge role. Society judges women who drink more harshly than men, and this forces them to hide the problem for years. A woman fears losing her children, her job, the respect of her relatives. The family also stays silent so as “not to bring disgrace.” The longer the silence lasts, the more severe the consequences. Medical confidentiality and anonymous treatment help remove this fear and start care sooner.

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