Reviewed byZhanar Tulegenova, MDPsychiatrist and psychotherapist, experience 18 years · updated 8 Nov 2026
Key facts
- Who provides care
- an addiction doctor (narcologist), a psychiatrist, a psychotherapist, a psychologist, and chemical dependency counselors
- Where
- an inpatient rehab center, a day hospital, or outpatient care in Kulsary
- Duration
- the inpatient stage lasts from 3 to 6 months; the full cycle with aftercare lasts up to a year
- Anonymity
- medical confidentiality and treatment with no entry in the state dispensary registry
- When it is urgent
- overdose, slowed breathing, seizures, psychosis, or suicidal thoughts — 103 or 112
- Outcome
- giving up all psychoactive substances, stable mental health, and a return to work and studies
What you should know
Definition. Rehabilitation is a set of measures carried out after acute conditions have been resolved in a person with drug dependence syndrome (ICD-10 categories F11–F16 and F18–F19, depending on the substance). The goals of rehab are to build stable motivation for sobriety, teach skills for coping with cravings and stress, identify and treat co-occurring mental health disorders, and restore social connections, work, or studies.
Drug addiction is more often than alcohol addiction accompanied by severe consequences: overdoses, infections, psychosis, and problems with the law. That is why rehab programs are, as a rule, longer and more intensive. Drug rehab in Kulsary at Narcology 24 is provided by an addiction doctor, a psychiatrist, a psychotherapist, and addiction counselors. The program is tailored to the substance, the length of use, the presence of a dual diagnosis, and the family situation, following the clinical protocols of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan and WHO recommendations.
Who Needs Rehab
- after detox, the person returns to using within the first weeks
- there have been overdoses or ambulance calls related to drug use
- the person uses several substances or replaces one with another
- psychosis, depression, anxiety, or sleep problems have appeared outside of intoxication
- drug use has led to the loss of a job or studies, debts, and problems with the law
- the person's social circle is connected with drug use, and there is no sober support
- strong cravings and thoughts about the substance persist even after withdrawal
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.
Why Rehab Takes Months
Drugs cause profound changes in the brain's reward, motivation, and self-control systems. After withdrawal, these systems recover slowly: low mood, sleep problems, a reduced ability to feel pleasure, and periodic strong cravings may persist for months. It is during this period that the risk of relapse is highest, so support is important not only during detox but throughout the first year of sobriety.
Apart from biological mechanisms, addiction is sustained by habits, social circle, unresolved psychological problems, and co-occurring mental health disorders. Drug use often began as a way of coping with trauma, anxiety, or depression. WHO guidance emphasizes that effective treatment must be long-term, take co-existing conditions into account, and include psychosocial support and the restoration of social functioning.
How the Rehab Program Works
Stage 1 — a consultation, often first with relatives, including online. Stage 2 — inpatient detox and stabilization of the person's condition. Stage 3 — an assessment of mental state by a psychiatrist. Stage 4 — the main rehab course: individual and group psychotherapy, training in relapse prevention skills, occupational therapy, physical activity, and 12-step program sessions. Stage 5 — a gradual return home and post-rehab aftercare.
Limitations. Rehab begins only after the person has come out of acute intoxication and withdrawal. The outpatient format is not suitable after a recent overdose or in cases of psychosis, severe depression, suicidal thoughts, or people who use drugs in the home environment. Infectious and physical diseases require parallel treatment. If breathing slows, the person loses consciousness, or seizures occur, call 103 or 112 immediately.
How we help
Individual psychotherapy
The main methods are cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. The psychotherapist helps the patient understand which situations, emotions, and thoughts trigger cravings and develop specific ways of responding. If there is a history of trauma, trauma-focused therapy methods are used. Individual sessions are held 1–3 times a week throughout the program.
Group work and fellowships
Group sessions offer the support of people with similar experiences and teach participants to talk openly about problems and accept feedback. The program introduces the principles of the 12 steps and mutual support fellowships so that the person has a circle of sober support after discharge. Groups are led by counselors under the supervision of a psychotherapist.
Dual diagnosis treatment and relapse prevention medication
A psychiatrist diagnoses and treats co-occurring depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and ADHD. For opioid addiction, when indicated and after the body has been fully cleansed, opioid blockade with opioid receptor antagonists may be used — only after an examination and written informed consent. All medications are prescribed by a doctor.
Social recovery and work with the family
The program includes restoring a daily routine, work activity, and planning a return to studies or employment. The family takes part in consultations and family meetings, where rules, boundaries, and how to act when there is a threat of relapse are discussed. Preparing the home for the person's return noticeably reduces the risk of relapse in the first months.
Myths and facts
MythDrug addiction is incurable, so treatment is pointless
FactAddiction is a chronic illness, but many people achieve long-term sobriety. As with other chronic diseases, the outcome depends on long-term treatment and support. Relapses are possible, but they do not cancel out progress.
MythIt is enough to get through withdrawal and move far away
FactA change of place does not remove the mechanisms of addiction, habits, or psychological problems. Without rehab and support, the risk of returning to drug use remains high in any city and any country.
MythRehab means isolation and a labor camp
FactModern medical rehab is based on psychotherapy, treatment of co-occurring disorders, and voluntary participation. The patient retains their rights and can stop treatment. Forcibly holding a person is unacceptable and against the law.
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 Kulsary
| Rehab programme consultation | 9 500 ₸ |
| Outpatient programme (one month) | 120 000 ₸ |
| Residential rehab (one month) | 320 000 ₸ |
| 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
In kulsary you can get help at home, at one of our two branches (106 Satpaeva St., Kulsary, 146 Esenova St., office 16, Kulsary) 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 Kulsary 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 long does drug rehab last?
The inpatient stage usually takes from 3 to 6 months, followed by an outpatient stage and aftercare. The full cycle, including support after discharge, is recommended over the course of a year. The specific length is determined by the person's condition, the substance, and how long it has been used.
Can a person be admitted to a center without their consent?
No. Rehab at Narcology 24 is provided only on a voluntary basis, with written informed consent. Involuntary treatment is possible only by court decision, in accordance with the procedure established by Kazakhstan law. Our specialists will help the family prepare for a conversation about treatment.
Can we visit the person at the center?
Yes, the rules for visits and phone calls are discussed on admission. During the first weeks, contacts may be limited, by agreement with the patient, to reduce the influence of outside triggers. Family participation in consultations and family meetings is encouraged.
What happens after discharge?
The person receives a relapse prevention plan, a schedule of sessions with a psychotherapist, and recommendations on support groups. Post-rehab aftercare is provided for several months, including online. At any sign of a threatened relapse, the person can quickly contact a specialist.
Does the online format help with drug addiction?
Online care is suitable for consultations with relatives, aftercare following inpatient rehab, and maintenance psychotherapy. Detox, treatment of psychosis, and the main course for severe addiction require an in-person format, most often inpatient.
Will my anonymity be preserved?
Yes. With paid anonymous treatment, you are not entered into the state dispensary registry, and information about the patient is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System.” Disclosure is possible only in cases expressly provided for by law.
Where do doctors visit in Kulsary and where are the branches?
Home visits cover all city districts and nearby settlements, 24/7. Appointments at two branches: 106 Satpaeva St., Kulsary and 146 Esenova St., office 16, Kulsary. Phone in Kulsary: +7 (700) 309-30-65.
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



