Reviewed byNurlan Isayev, MDAddiction psychiatrist, experience 10 years · updated 8 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F11–F16, F18, F19
- Who provides it
- A psychiatrist-narcologist, a psychiatrist, a psychotherapist, and inpatient unit nurses
- Where
- Mainly in a hospital; consultations and follow-up support at the clinic and online
- Duration
- Detox 5–14 days, main course 4–8 weeks, follow-up support at least 12 months
- Anonymity
- Paid anonymous treatment without registry monitoring, medical confidentiality
- When it is urgent
- Overdose, breathing problems, seizures, psychosis, suicidal thoughts — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- Safely stopping drug use, mental stabilization, and a relapse prevention program
What you should know
In medical terms, drug addiction is dependence syndrome caused by psychoactive substances (ICD-10 categories F11–F16, F18, F19). The diagnosis is made using the same criteria as for alcohol dependence: craving, loss of control, withdrawal syndrome, increased tolerance, the crowding out of other interests, and continued use despite harm. The treatment approach depends on the substance: withdrawal from opioids, stimulants, and sedatives follows different courses and requires different monitoring.
At Narcology 24, drug addiction treatment follows the clinical protocols of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the recommendations of WHO and UNODC, on a voluntary basis. The first step is an anonymous consultation with an addiction specialist in Pavlodar: in person, at home, or online. Based on its results, the detox format is chosen — most often inpatient — and a program for further treatment is drawn up. When addiction is combined with depression, anxiety, or psychotic disorders, a psychiatrist joins the treatment.
Signs of Drug Use and Addiction
- sudden changes in behavior: secretiveness, lying, new acquaintances, disappearing from home
- unusually dilated or constricted pupils, sluggishness or excessive agitation
- sleep disturbances — insomnia for several days or very long sleep
- weight loss, an unkempt appearance, injection marks, frequent “colds”
- missing money and belongings, debts, problems with the law
- sharp mood swings, anxiety, suspiciousness, outbursts of aggression
- when use stops — pain, chills, anxiety, insomnia, and intense cravings
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 Drug Addiction Is Dangerous
The main medical risks, point by point: 1) overdose — especially with opioids and when substances are combined with alcohol or sedatives; 2) psychotic disorders with stimulant and cannabinoid use; 3) damage to the heart, blood vessels, liver, and kidneys; 4) infections from injecting drugs — HIV and hepatitis B and C; 5) depression and suicidal thoughts during withdrawal; 6) injuries and accidents.
Addiction develops under the influence of biological, psychological, and social factors: heredity, the characteristics of the brain’s reward system, an early start of substance use, traumatic experiences, mental disorders, and one’s social environment. That is why treatment cannot be limited to simply “cleansing” the body. Psychotherapy, treatment of co-occurring disorders, and long-term support are needed, and these are available in Pavlodar both in person and online.
How Drug Addiction Treatment Works: The Stages
Stages: 1) an anonymous consultation online or in person — assessment of the substance, duration of use, severity, and risks; 2) testing — blood work, drug and infection tests, and an ECG; 3) detox, usually in the hospital, for 5–14 days — supervised withdrawal treatment; 4) relapse prevention therapy, for example opioid receptor antagonists for opioid dependence — when indicated and with consent; 5) psychotherapy and rehab; 6) follow-up support at Narcology 24 for at least a year.
Detox at home for drug addiction is rarely done, and only for mild forms and by the doctor’s decision. Inpatient care is necessary for dependence on opioids, sedatives, and sleeping pills, for use of several substances, and in the presence of psychotic symptoms, suicidal thoughts, or serious illnesses. If an overdose is suspected — slowed breathing, bluish skin, loss of consciousness — call 103 or 112 immediately.
How we help
Detox and withdrawal treatment
The goal is to get through the withdrawal period safely and relieve acute symptoms. Detox solutions, symptomatic medications to relieve pain, anxiety, and insomnia, vitamins, and liver-protecting agents are used; strictly controlled drugs are used only as prescribed by a doctor. Each substance requires its own approach: withdrawal from sedatives is carried out gradually and under supervision because of the risk of seizures.
Relapse prevention medication
After detox, when indicated, medications are prescribed that reduce the risk of returning to drug use — for example, opioid receptor antagonists for opioid dependence. They are started only after the required period without use and after testing. Opioid blockades and “coding” follow the same rules: testing, a period of abstinence, and written informed consent.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, contingency management, and group therapy are recognized as the foundation of drug addiction treatment in WHO and UNODC recommendations. A psychotherapist helps the person cope with cravings, recognize high-risk situations, and rebuild skills lost during the period of drug use.
Rehab and social reintegration
A rehab program aims to restore a daily routine, work or study, and family relationships, and to build a social circle free of substances. It can be inpatient or outpatient. After completing the program, it is important to continue follow-up support with an addiction specialist and a psychotherapist and to take part in support groups.
Myths and facts
MythDrug addiction cannot be cured
FactAddiction is a chronic disease, but lasting remission is achievable. Many people live without drugs for years. This requires comprehensive treatment, treatment of co-occurring disorders, and long-term support.
MythIt is enough to get through withdrawal and it will all be over
FactWithdrawal passes within days or weeks, but cravings and changes in brain function persist for months. Without continued treatment, the risk of relapse is very high, and after a break the danger of overdose increases because tolerance has dropped.
Myth“Soft” drugs are not addictive
FactCannabinoids and other substances called “soft” can cause dependence syndrome, psychotic episodes, and cognitive impairment, especially when use starts early. The division into “soft” and “hard” drugs has no medical basis.
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 Pavlodar
| Initial addiction doctor consultation | 11 000 ₸ |
| Inpatient detox (per day) | 31 500 ₸ |
| Psychotherapy course (8 sessions) | 86 500 ₸ |
| 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 pavlodar you can get help at home, at one of our two branches (30 Nazarbaeva Ave., office 8, Pavlodar, 162 Ak. Bekturova St., Pavlodar) 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
Information about your request, diagnosis and treatment is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”. We do not share it with employers, schools, the police or neighbours; the only exceptions are those expressly set by law. A first name is enough to call us, and paid confidential treatment does not mean a registry entry.
Questions and answers
Will I be put on the registry if I get treatment for drug addiction?
With paid anonymous treatment, your information is not passed on for registry monitoring. Medical confidentiality is protected by the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”; disclosure without consent is possible only in cases expressly provided for by law.
Will the clinic report me to the police?
No. Seeking medical help for addiction is a medical matter, and information about it is protected by medical confidentiality. The only exceptions are requests from investigative authorities or a court in cases provided for by law.
Why is it better to go through detox in a hospital?
Withdrawal from a number of substances is accompanied by severe pain, insomnia, anxiety, and sometimes seizures and psychosis. In the hospital, a doctor monitors the patient’s condition around the clock and adjusts treatment promptly, and the patient has no access to substances.
Can drug addiction be treated without the person’s consent?
No. Treatment at the clinic is strictly voluntary. Involuntary treatment is possible only by court decision in the manner established by the law of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Relatives can have a consultation on how to motivate their loved one.
How long does drug addiction treatment take?
Detox takes 5–14 days depending on the substance, the main course of psychotherapy and relapse prevention therapy takes 4–8 weeks, and rehab lasts from several weeks to months. Follow-up support is recommended for at least a year after the main course.
What should I do if I suspect an overdose?
Call 103 or 112 immediately. If the person is unconscious but breathing, lay them on their side so they do not choke on vomit, do not leave them alone, and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. Do not give any substances or medications unless a doctor tells you to.
Where do doctors visit in Pavlodar and where are the branches?
Home visits cover all city districts and nearby settlements, 24/7. Appointments at two branches: 30 Nazarbaeva Ave., office 8, Pavlodar and 162 Ak. Bekturova St., Pavlodar. Phone in Pavlodar: +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
