Reviewed byRinat Zhumabekov, MDAddiction psychiatrist, experience 21 years · updated 8 Nov 2026
Key facts
- Who provides it
- A psychiatrist-narcologist; implant removal is done by a doctor with surgical training
- Where
- At the clinic in Satpayev; the initial consultation can be held online
- Duration
- The consultation takes 30–60 minutes; with chemical protection, the effect ends once the drug has been eliminated
- Confidentiality
- No documents and no registry entry; information about previous treatment is protected by medical confidentiality
- When it is an emergency
- Drank after chemical protection and have difficulty breathing, chest pain or fainting — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- A clear understanding of the coding status and a safe plan for next steps
What you should know
People seek decoding for various reasons: they need to take a medication that is incompatible with the chemical protection drug, they have surgery coming up, they have reconsidered their decision, or they feel anxious about the commitment. The doctor's medical task is to find out which method was used, when and with which drug, and to explain honestly what can and cannot be done. Without this information, any promise to “remove the coding” is misleading.
A Narcology 24 addiction physician provides decoding consultations in Satpayev anonymously and without judgment. The doctor explains that with psychotherapeutic methods the commitment can be lifted during a conversation, with chemical protection the drug stops working once it has been eliminated from the body, and an implant can be removed surgically. The key question is discussed separately: what will happen with drinking afterward, and whether it would be better to revise the treatment plan instead of decoding.
Situations in which people seek decoding
- upcoming treatment with medications that are incompatible with active chemical protection
- a planned operation or procedure involving anesthesia and alcohol-based products
- the person feels intense anxiety and fear because of the commitment
- it is unknown which method and drug were used for the coding
- the implant site has become inflamed or is causing discomfort
- the person has decided to change their approach to treating the dependence
- there was a relapse while coded and the person's condition needs to be assessed
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 decoding depends on the method
Psychotherapeutic coding, such as the Dovzhenko method, is a commitment instilled through suggestion. “Lifting” it is also a psychotherapeutic procedure: in conversation, the doctor explains the mechanism and works with the person's anxiety and expectations. There are no medication-related risks here, but it is important to explore why the person wants to cancel the commitment and how they intend to stay sober.
With chemical protection, a drug that disrupts the breakdown of alcohol is active in the body. No remedy neutralizes it instantly and safely: the effect ends as the drug is eliminated, which takes a period that depends on the drug and its form. Implants can be removed surgically as long as they have not dissolved. Promises to “decode with an injection in 15 minutes” without knowing which drug was used are not consistent with pharmacology and can create a false sense of safety.
How a decoding consultation works
Stage 1 — an online or in-person conversation: when, where and by which method the coding was done, which drug and duration are stated in the documents, whether there are any illnesses, and why decoding is needed. Stage 2 — an examination, blood pressure check and an ECG if needed. Stage 3 — the approach: lifting the commitment for a psychotherapeutic method, advice on the elimination period for chemical protection, or removing the implant. Stage 4 — a plan for further treatment.
Never try to “test” the coding with alcohol or look for ways to decode yourself: with active chemical protection, this can cause a severe reaction. If the person has already been drinking and has difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden weakness or a drop in blood pressure, call 103 or 112 and tell them about the coding. Surgical removal of an implant is done only at the clinic.
How we help
Lifting a psychotherapeutic commitment
If the coding was suggestion-based, the doctor holds a conversation explaining that the commitment is a psychological mechanism and is not linked to a physical reaction to alcohol. The work aims to reduce anxiety and help the person reach a conscious decision. At the same time, the doctor discusses which ways of supporting sobriety will suit the person in the future.
Approach for chemical protection
The doctor clarifies the drug, the date it was given and its duration of effect, and assesses the condition of the heart and liver. The patient is advised when the drug's effect is most likely to end and what to do until then. If decoding is needed in order to treat another illness, the addiction physician coordinates the approach with the attending doctor and chooses compatible medications.
Implant removal
If the implant has not yet dissolved, it can be removed surgically in the treatment room under local anesthesia. Beforehand, the doctor locates the implant and assesses the condition of the surrounding tissue. After removal, some of the drug that has already been released may remain in the body, so the patient is given recommendations for the following period.
Revising the treatment plan
Often the wish to be decoded is driven by cravings, fatigue from the restrictions or dissatisfaction with the method. A Narcology 24 addiction physician and psychotherapist help work out the reasons and offer alternatives: another form of medication support, psychotherapy or family consultations. The decision remains with the patient.
Myths and facts
MythThere is an injection that instantly removes any coding
FactThere is no universal antidote. A psychotherapeutic commitment is lifted through conversation, a chemical protection drug is eliminated from the body gradually, and an implant can only be removed surgically. Promises of an instant effect are not consistent with pharmacology.
MythYou can decode yourself by having a small drink
FactWith active chemical protection, even a small amount of alcohol can cause a severe reaction with a drop in blood pressure and heart rhythm disturbances. “Testing” the coding with alcohol is dangerous — see a doctor instead.
MythAfter decoding, you can drink in moderation
FactFor a person with alcohol dependence, controlled drinking is usually not achievable, and the risk of returning to binge drinking is high. The doctor discusses this honestly with the patient and offers options for supporting sobriety.
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 Satpayev
| Consultation and assessment before the procedure | 8 000 ₸ |
| Procedure (standard) | 40 000 ₸ |
| Procedure (extended) | 64 000 ₸ |
| 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 satpayev you can get help at home, at one of our two branches (162 Lenina St., Satpayev, 164 Baykonurova St., office 27, Satpayev) 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 Satpayev 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 I be decoded if I do not know which method was used?
Yes, but first the doctor will try to establish the method: from documents, the patient's account and any marks left by an implant. If the drug cannot be identified, it is advisable to assume the longest possible duration of effect and avoid alcohol until you have consulted an addiction physician.
How long does decoding take?
A consultation and lifting a psychotherapeutic commitment take 30–60 minutes. Removing an implant takes about half an hour, followed by a wound-healing check. With chemical protection, decoding in practice means waiting for the drug to be eliminated, and the doctor estimates this period individually.
Do I need to be decoded before surgery?
Be sure to tell the surgeon and anesthesiologist about the coding, especially chemical protection or an implant: some medications and alcohol-based antiseptics can cause a reaction. The addiction physician will help prepare information for the other doctors and coordinate the approach if necessary.
What should I do if I drank while coded?
If you feel heat, a pounding heart, difficulty breathing, chest pain or sudden weakness, call 103 or 112 immediately and tell them about the coding. If your condition is stable, see an addiction physician: they will assess the risks, carry out detox if needed and revise the treatment plan.
Will anonymity be maintained?
Yes. Decoding consultations are anonymous and involve no registry entry. Information about previous and current treatment is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System” and is not shared with third parties without grounds provided for by law.
Can a person be decoded at their relatives' request?
No. The decision to be decoded, like the decision to be coded, is made only by the patient, provided they have legal capacity. Relatives can come to the consultation together with the patient or have a separate consultation on how to support their loved one. Teenagers can call the 150 helpline.
Where do doctors visit in Satpayev and where are the branches?
Home visits cover all city districts and nearby settlements, 24/7. Appointments at two branches: 162 Lenina St., Satpayev and 164 Baykonurova St., office 27, Satpayev. Phone in Satpayev: +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
