Reviewed byNurlan Isayev, MDAddiction psychiatrist, experience 10 years · updated 8 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F15.2
- Who provides it
- A psychiatrist-narcologist and a psychiatrist, a psychotherapist, and 24-hour inpatient staff
- Where
- In the hospital for detox and stabilization; then as an outpatient and online
- Duration
- Inpatient stay 7–14 days or longer with psychosis, main course 4–8 weeks, follow-up support up to a year
- Anonymity
- No documents and no registry monitoring, medical confidentiality
- When it is urgent
- Psychosis, aggression, fever, chest pain, seizures, suicidal thoughts — call 103 or 112 right away
- Outcome
- Relief of psychotic symptoms, restored sleep and mood, and relapse prevention
What you should know
“Salts” (“bath salts”) is a street name for a group of synthetic stimulants, most often cathinone derivatives. These substances have an unpredictable composition and potency: the same “dose” from different batches can vary several times over. Stimulants trigger a release of dopamine and norepinephrine, which brings euphoria and agitation, followed by exhaustion, anxiety, and depression. Addiction develops quickly, and psychotic disorders occur much more often than with many other substances.
At Narcology 24, addiction to synthetic stimulants is treated jointly by an addiction specialist and a psychiatrist, because mental disturbances play a leading role in the clinical picture. Help in Lisakovsk begins with an anonymous consultation: in person, with a home visit, or online for relatives. Detox and stabilization take place in the hospital, followed by psychotherapy, treatment of depression and anxiety, and a rehab program. Treatment is provided only on a voluntary basis.
Signs of Synthetic Stimulant Use
- insomnia for several days in a row, followed by long sleep and complete exhaustion
- unusual talkativeness, restlessness, compulsive repetitive actions
- suspiciousness, a feeling of being watched, fear that someone is hiding in the house
- rapid weight loss, refusing food, dehydration, dry lips
- dilated pupils, a racing heart, sweating, jaw clenching or twitching
- after a period of use — low mood, apathy, irritability, thoughts of death
- missing money and valuables, debts, lying, and pulling away from loved ones
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 “Bath Salts” Addiction Is Especially Dangerous
The medical risks, point by point: 1) acute psychosis with persecutory delusions, hallucinations, and dangerous behavior; 2) overheating, dehydration, and breakdown of muscle tissue with kidney damage; 3) heart rhythm disturbances, hypertensive crises, stroke, and heart attack, even in young people; 4) seizures; 5) severe depression after stopping use, with a risk of suicide; 6) cognitive impairment affecting attention, memory, and planning.
Addiction develops quickly because the effect is powerful but short-lived: the person tries to use again to avoid the crash that follows. The unknown composition of the substance makes every episode unpredictable. There is no specific antidote for synthetic cathinones, so treatment focuses on supporting vital functions, relieving mental disturbances, and long-term psychotherapy, which is available in Lisakovsk in person and online.
How Stimulant Addiction Is Treated
Stages: 1) a consultation — online for relatives or in person with the patient, assessing the risks and mental state; 2) hospital admission — monitoring of blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and fluid balance; 3) stabilization: restoring sleep and relieving anxiety and psychotic symptoms with medications prescribed by a psychiatrist; 4) tests of the heart, kidneys, and liver; 5) treatment of depression and psychotherapy, 4–8 weeks; 6) rehab and follow-up support at Narcology 24 for up to a year.
Home treatment for “bath salts” addiction is not provided: the risk of psychosis, aggression, suicidal actions, and severe physical complications is high. If the person has persecutory delusions or hallucinations, is aggressive, has a high temperature, chest pain, or seizures, or talks about suicide, call 103 or 112 immediately, do not try to hold them down by force, and make sure the people around them are safe.
How we help
Inpatient detox and stabilization
The first days after stopping use are a period of exhaustion, insomnia, anxiety, and low mood. In the hospital, IV therapy is given, fluid and electrolyte balance is corrected, sleep is restored, and vitamin support is provided. Medications to reduce agitation and anxiety are prescribed by a doctor and used under constant supervision, with heart monitoring.
Treatment of psychotic disorders
For stimulant-induced psychosis, a psychiatrist joins the treatment. Antipsychotic medications and other drugs are prescribed as indicated, and the patient is monitored until delusions and hallucinations have completely resolved. It is important to distinguish substance-induced psychosis from the onset of an independent mental disorder, which is why monitoring continues after discharge.
Treatment of depression and anhedonia
After stopping stimulants, people often develop persistent low mood, an inability to feel pleasure (anhedonia), and apathy. This is the main factor behind relapse. A psychiatrist assesses suicide risk and prescribes antidepressants if needed, while a psychotherapist helps restore interest in life, a daily routine, and physical activity.
Psychotherapy and rehab
There are currently no specific medications that reduce cravings for stimulants, so psychotherapy is the foundation of relapse prevention. Cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management, and group and family therapy are used. A rehab program helps rebuild the skills needed for study, work, and social life without substances.
Myths and facts
Myth“Salts” do not cause physical dependence, so quitting is easy
FactCravings for stimulants are extremely strong, and the low mood after stopping often pushes people to use again. Addiction to synthetic stimulants develops quickly and requires full treatment.
MythPsychosis from “salts” goes away on its own once the person sleeps it off
FactPsychotic symptoms can persist for days or weeks and in some cases become prolonged. During psychosis, a person may harm themselves or others. Urgent medical help is needed — call 103 or 112.
MythOccasional use is not dangerous
FactThe composition and potency of “salts” are unpredictable, so even occasional use can lead to psychosis, heart rhythm disturbances, overheating, and death. There is no safe way or safe amount to use.
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 Lisakovsk
| Initial addiction doctor consultation | 9 500 ₸ |
| Inpatient detox (per day) | 28 000 ₸ |
| Psychotherapy course (8 sessions) | 77 000 ₸ |
| 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 lisakovsk you can get help at home, at one of our two branches (Building 47, Microdistrict 1, Lisakovsk, 148 Lenina St., office 26, Lisakovsk) 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 Lisakovsk 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
Can “bath salts” addiction be cured?
Yes, lasting remission is achievable, but treatment takes time: inpatient stabilization, treatment of depression and anxiety, long-term psychotherapy, and follow-up support for at least a year. Restoring sleep, memory, and mood can take several months.
What should I do if my loved one has gone into psychosis?
Call 103 or 112. Speak calmly, do not argue with delusional ideas, remove dangerous objects, and do not stay in a closed space with the person if they are aggressive. Do not try to restrain them by force. After emergency care has been provided, see an addiction specialist and a psychiatrist.
Why can’t treatment be done at home?
During withdrawal, the risk of psychosis, severe depression with suicidal thoughts, and heart problems is high. In addition, the person still has access to the substance at home. Inpatient care in Lisakovsk provides round-the-clock medical supervision and safety.
How long does inpatient treatment take?
Usually 7–14 days, and longer in the case of psychotic disorders, until the symptoms have fully resolved. Treatment then continues on an outpatient basis: 4–8 weeks of psychotherapy and follow-up support for up to a year, and some of the sessions can be held online by video call.
Can a person be hospitalized against their will?
A private clinic admits patients only on a voluntary basis. In case of psychosis with an immediate danger to the person or others, help is provided by the emergency medical service, and involuntary treatment is possible only in the manner and on the grounds established by the law of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Will I be put on the registry with anonymous treatment for “bath salts” addiction?
With paid anonymous treatment, your information is not passed on for registry monitoring. Patient information is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System,” with exceptions only as provided for by law.
Where do doctors visit in Lisakovsk and where are the branches?
Home visits cover all city districts and nearby settlements, 24/7. Appointments at two branches: Building 47, Microdistrict 1, Lisakovsk and 148 Lenina St., office 26, Lisakovsk. Phone in Lisakovsk: +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
