Nicotine and vaping addiction in Kyzylorda

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

Key facts

ICD-10 code

F17.2

Who provides care

an addiction doctor (narcologist) and a psychotherapist; a relevant specialist if there are co-existing conditions

Where

online by video call from anywhere in Kyzylorda, or outpatient appointments at the clinic

Duration

the active quitting stage lasts 8–12 weeks, with support for up to 6 months

Anonymity

anonymous consultations, no registry entry, and medical confidentiality

When it is urgent

chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden weakness in an arm or leg — call 103 or 112

Outcome

completely quitting nicotine in any form and preventing a return to smoking

What you should know

Definition. Tobacco (nicotine) dependence syndrome is coded in ICD-10 as F17.2. It is diagnosed when there is a strong urge to smoke, difficulty controlling use, withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit, increasing consumption, and continued smoking despite harm to health. Electronic cigarettes and vapes contain nicotine, often in high concentrations in the form of nicotine salts, so they cause the same dependence as regular cigarettes.

Nicotine is one of the psychoactive substances to which dependence forms most quickly. Withdrawal shows up as irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, increased appetite, and sleep problems; it peaks in the first week, and the main symptoms pass within 2–4 weeks. Quitting smoking and vaping in Kyzylorda with a Narcology 24 doctor includes an assessment of dependence, selection of supportive therapy, and regular follow-up sessions. Most sessions can be held online.

Signs of Nicotine Dependence

• the first cigarette or puff on a vape comes within half an hour of waking up
• it is hard to go without nicotine in places where smoking is not allowed
• when trying to quit, irritability, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating appear
• the vape is used almost nonstop, and e-liquid or cartridges run out quickly
• the person switches from cigarettes to a vape but does not reduce their overall nicotine intake
• smoking continues despite lung or heart disease or during pregnancy
• there have been attempts to quit, but they ended with a return to smoking within the first days or weeks

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 It Is So Hard to Quit Nicotine

Nicotine reaches the brain within seconds and triggers the release of dopamine in the reward system. With regular intake, the number of nicotine receptors increases, and without a new dose a person feels discomfort. Smoking relieves exactly this discomfort, which creates the impression that a cigarette or a vape “calms you down.” Habits are layered on top of the chemical dependence: coffee, breaks at work, stress, and socializing.

Vapes and heated tobacco products are often seen as a harmless alternative. However, the WHO states that electronic nicotine delivery systems are harmful to health and cause dependence, especially in teenagers. High nicotine concentrations, the absence of smell, and the ability to take puffs unnoticed mean that daily intake can exceed that of a cigarette smoker. Risk factors include starting early, smoking in the family, anxiety, and depression.

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 Kyzylorda

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 Kyzylorda: 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 — 169 Auezova St., Kyzylorda and 24 Zheltoksan St., Kyzylorda. When indicated, we arrange admission and transport.

Confidential and private

in Kyzylorda 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