Reviewed byNurlan Isayev, MDAddiction psychiatrist, experience 10 years · updated 8 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F63.8
- Who provides care
- A psychotherapist; a child or adult psychiatrist in cases of depression, anxiety, or ADHD
- Where
- Appointments at the clinic in Astana and online; for teenagers, parents must take part
- Duration
- Assessment: 1–2 sessions; psychotherapy: 2–6 months, followed by maintenance sessions
- Confidentiality
- Medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, no registry
- When it’s urgent
- Suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or aggression when the internet is switched off — call 103 or 112; young people can call 150
- Outcome
- Restored sleep and study routines, control over time online, and agreement and rules within the family
What you should know
Parents often ask: where is the line between a hobby and an addiction? A teenager can play a lot and still study, have friends, and get enough sleep — that is not an illness. What is worrying is something else: games or social media become the only thing that matters, the person cannot stop, drops out of school, stays up all night, and reacts with aggression to any attempt to switch off the internet. This also happens in adults: a young professional comes home from a shift and games until morning, losing their job and relationships.
The long Astana winter, with frost and wind that keep children and adults indoors for months; parents’ packed work schedules; moves from other regions, when a teenager has no friends yet in the new neighborhood — all of this raises the risk of retreating into the online world. We help families from the Saryarka district, Almaty district, and the suburbs understand what is happening, without blame and without bans that don’t work. Consultations are available in person and by video call.
What parents and loved ones notice
- spends almost all free time gaming or on social media; “five more minutes” stretches into hours
- drops studies, work, and sports, stops seeing friends offline
- stays awake at night, is drowsy during the day, skips meals or eats right at the computer
- outbursts of anger, tears, or aggression when access to the internet is limited
- hides time spent online, spends money on in-game purchases without permission
- keeps playing despite bad grades, conflicts, and reprimands at work
- seems depressed and anxious, says “there’s nothing for me in real life”
If two or three points apply, it is worth seeing a doctor. Phone advice is free and confidential. If life is at risk, call 103 or 112.
What lies behind the retreat into the online world
Games and social media are built on reward mechanisms: levels, likes, loot boxes, an endless feed. They deliver quick and predictable emotions that are missing in real life. In teenagers, the brain’s self-control systems are still maturing, which makes it harder for them to stop. The WHO included gaming disorder in ICD-11 (6C51): for the diagnosis, the impairment must be significant and usually last at least a year.
Addiction often hides other problems: anxiety, depression, ADHD, bullying at school, loneliness, and difficulties in the relationship with parents. Online gaming becomes a way to hide from stress. That is why simply unplugging the router rarely solves the problem: it is important to understand what exactly the person finds online and what they are missing in life — and to work on that together.
How help works: assessment, therapy, family rules
The family usually comes first: during an in-person or online consultation, the specialist asks about daily routine, studies, mood, conflicts, and any related difficulties. Then comes a meeting with the teenager or adult themselves — a conversation, questionnaires, and, if needed, an examination by a psychiatrist. A plan is drawn up: weekly individual psychotherapy, meetings with parents, and treatment of anxiety or depression. Sessions take place at the clinic in Astana or by video, which is convenient for busy families.
The online format works, but sometimes it is not enough: suicidal thoughts, self-harm, severe depression, psychotic symptoms, or aggression that threatens the family require an in-person appointment with a psychiatrist or inpatient care. In an emergency, call 103 or 112; the 150 helpline is available for children and young people. Ironically, with gaming addiction, some sessions are better held in person.
How we help
Cognitive behavioral therapy
CBT helps identify the thoughts and feelings that trigger the retreat into gaming — boredom, shame, anxiety, conflict — and develop other ways of coping. The person learns to plan their time, set realistic goals, and gradually bring sleep, exercise, and social contact back into their life. This is the main evidence-based method for gaming disorder.
Family therapy
For teenagers, parental involvement is a key factor. We help the family agree on rules for using devices that the teenager understands and accepts, reduce conflicts, and bring back time spent together. Parents learn to respond calmly and consistently, without sudden bans or threats.
Treating co-occurring disorders
If depression, an anxiety disorder, or ADHD lies behind the addiction, a psychiatrist prescribes treatment after an examination. Without it, the chances of overcoming the urge to game are lower: the person will keep looking for relief online again and again. Medications are never prescribed “for the internet” — only for specific medical indications.
Restoring routines and offline life
Together with the person, we build a routine for sleep, meals, and physical activity and look for activities that bring satisfaction away from the screen: sports, clubs, socializing, volunteering. This is harder in winter, so we choose indoor options. A gradual approach is important: a sudden ban with no replacement almost always leads to relapse and new conflicts.
Myths and facts
MythJust take away the phone and switch off the Wi-Fi
FactA sudden ban without addressing the causes often leads to conflicts, aggression, and attempts to get around it. Limits work when they are agreed upon, clear, and combined with psychotherapy and real-life alternatives.
MythIt’s just adolescence — it will pass
FactMany hobbies really do pass, but if gaming is destroying studies, sleep, and relationships, and limits provoke strong protest, it is worth seeing a specialist. Starting help early gives better results.
MythAdults don’t get addicted to games
FactGaming and problematic internet use also occur in adults, especially during stress, loneliness, or depression. It can cost them their job and family. Psychotherapy helps at any age.
How a home visit works
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Further treatmentCoding, psychotherapy, rehab or psychiatric follow-up — once the acute state has passed and the person is ready.
Prices in Astana
| Initial addiction doctor consultation | 12 000 ₸ |
| Inpatient detox (per day) | 35 000 ₸ |
| Psychotherapy course (8 sessions) | 96 000 ₸ |
| Phone advice | free |
The final cost is agreed before treatment starts. Prices are in tenge and do not constitute a public offer.
Where to get help
“Internet and gaming addiction” in Astana is available 24/7, including weekends. Home visits: all city districts and nearby settlements. For appointments, Narcology 24 has two branches: 6 Auezova St., office 37, Astana and 176 Imanova St., Astana. If you live elsewhere in Astana and Akmola Region, call us and we'll advise the fastest way to get help.
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
How can I tell whether it’s an addiction and not a hobby?
The key signs are loss of control over time, prioritizing gaming over everything else, and continuing despite clear harm: to grades, work, sleep, and relationships. If this has lasted for months and you see strong irritation whenever limits are set, it is worth coming in for an assessment.
My child refuses to see a specialist. What should I do?
Start with yourself: a consultation for parents already gives you tools. Suggest that the teenager come for one meeting “just to get acquainted” — online is possible too. Don’t threaten treatment as a punishment. The specialists at Narcology 24 know how to talk with teenagers without pressure, and many agree after the first conversation.
Is hospitalization necessary?
As a rule, no. Internet and gaming addiction is treated on an outpatient basis. Inpatient care may be needed only in cases of severe depression, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or psychotic symptoms. The decision is made by a psychiatrist after an in-person examination.
How much time a day is it okay to play?
There is no universal norm. What matters more is whether sleep, studies, physical activity, and face-to-face contact are preserved. It is better to agree on rules together: when and how long, where the phone stays at night, which days are game-free. A specialist will help you draw up such a plan suited to the child’s age.
What should I do if a teenager becomes aggressive when the internet is switched off?
Don’t get into a physical confrontation; keep a calm tone and give them time to cool down. Discuss what happened later. If the aggression threatens anyone’s safety or there are threats of self-harm, call 103 or 112; the 150 helpline helps children and young people. Afterwards, get an urgent consultation.
Is seeking help confidential?
Yes. Narcology 24 works anonymously, without registration on any registry, and all information is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”. Schools and employers receive no information. For minors, the legal provisions on the involvement of legal guardians apply.
Where do doctors visit in Astana and where are the branches?
Home visits cover all city districts and nearby settlements, 24/7. Appointments at two branches: 6 Auezova St., office 37, Astana and 176 Imanova St., Astana. Phone in Astana: +7 (700) 309-30-17.
Sources and methodology
This page was prepared by the Narcology 24 medical editorial team based on:
- International Classification of Diseases ICD-10 and ICD-11, World Health Organization
- Clinical diagnosis and treatment protocols of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”
- NICE (UK) guidelines on alcohol and drug misuse and mental health conditions
- WHO recommendations on the treatment of substance use disorders
This information is for reference only and does not replace a consultation with a specialist. Editorial policy