Prescription drug addiction in Pavlodar

Reviewed byNurlan Isayev, MDAddiction psychiatrist, experience 10 years · updated 8 Nov 2026

Key facts

Who provides care

an addiction doctor (narcologist) together with a psychiatrist, and with a relevant specialist in cases of chronic pain

Where

on an outpatient basis, at home in Pavlodar under supervision, or in an inpatient unit — the choice depends on the medication and the dose

Duration

gradual tapering takes from 2 to 8 weeks or longer, followed by 3–6 months of psychotherapy

Anonymity

treatment is provided on a paid, anonymous basis, with no entry in the state dispensary registry

When it is urgent

seizures, confusion, hallucinations, or slowed breathing — call 103 or 112

Outcome

safely stopping the medication, normal sleep, and control of anxiety without dependence

What you should know

Definition. Prescription drug dependence is a dependence syndrome that develops while taking medications with psychoactive effects. In ICD-10, it is coded by substance group: sedatives and hypnotics — F13.2, opioids — F11.2, stimulants — F15.2. Dependence can develop even when a medication is taken as prescribed if the course has gone on too long or the dose has been increased without a doctor's supervision. Having a prescription does not rule out the diagnosis.

The main feature of this type of dependence is dangerous withdrawal. Abruptly stopping benzodiazepines or barbiturates can cause seizures and delirium, while opioid withdrawal is accompanied by severe pain and autonomic symptoms. That is why treatment of prescription drug dependence in Pavlodar always begins with an in-person examination and an individual dose-reduction schedule. Narcology 24 specialists also assess the original reason for taking the medication — pain, insomnia, or anxiety — in order to prescribe a safe alternative.

Signs of Prescription Drug Dependence

• the medication is taken for longer than prescribed or in higher doses
• the usual dose no longer works, and there is an urge to increase it
• without the pill, anxiety, tremors, insomnia, sweating, or pain appear
• the person visits different doctors or pharmacies to get a prescription
• thoughts about whether there will be enough of the medication take up a large part of the day
• daytime drowsiness, slowed speech, and memory lapses have appeared
• attempts to give up the medication end with a return to taking it

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.

How Prescription Drug Dependence Develops

Sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and opioid painkillers act on the brain systems responsible for inhibition, relaxation, and pain perception. With long-term use, the brain adapts: receptors become less sensitive, and a higher dose is needed to achieve the same effect. When the dose is reduced, a rebound reaction occurs — anxiety, insomnia, and pain become stronger than they were before treatment started. This reinforces the habit of taking the medication.

Risk factors include a long course without a review of the prescription, increasing the dose on your own, combining the medication with alcohol, chronic pain, anxiety disorders and insomnia, and a previous history of addiction. International guidelines, including NICE recommendations, state that benzodiazepines for insomnia and anxiety should be prescribed only in short courses. A person often does not notice the transition from treatment to dependence and seeks help only once the symptoms have become pronounced.

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 Pavlodar

The final cost is agreed before treatment starts. Prices are in tenge and do not constitute a public offer.

Where to get help

“Prescription drug addiction” in Pavlodar is available 24/7, including weekends. Home visits: all city districts and nearby settlements. For appointments, Narcology 24 has two branches: 30 Nazarbaeva Ave., office 8, Pavlodar and 162 Ak. Bekturova St., Pavlodar. If you live elsewhere in Pavlodar Region, call us and we'll advise the fastest way to get help.

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