Reviewed byRinat Zhumabekov, MDAddiction psychiatrist, experience 21 years · updated 8 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F10.3
- Who provides it
- An addiction physician; a nurse may insert the line and monitor the infusion under the doctor's supervision
- Where
- At the patient's home in Shakhtinsk or in the clinic's treatment room
- Duration
- Usually 1 to 2.5 hours, depending on the volume and composition of the solutions
- Confidentiality
- No passport required and no registry entry; information is protected by medical confidentiality
- When it is an emergency
- Impaired consciousness, seizures, hallucinations or chest pain — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- Less intoxication, tremor and anxiety, and restored fluid and electrolyte balance
What you should know
A drip is a way of giving medication in which a solution enters a vein slowly and steadily. During a binge, this route is preferred: the person often cannot drink because of nausea and vomiting, and absorption of medications from the stomach is impaired. IV therapy makes it possible to quickly restore fluid volume, correct potassium, magnesium and glucose levels, and give the vitamins that become deficient with prolonged drinking.
At Narcology 24, the IV drip for a binge is administered by an addiction physician, not just a nurse: before the procedure, contraindications must be ruled out and the severity of withdrawal assessed. There is no universal “cocktail” — the composition and infusion rate depend on age, weight, and heart, kidney and liver function. An IV drip for a binge at home in Shakhtinsk is part of alcohol detox, not a substitute for it: after the procedure, rest, monitoring and staying off alcohol are essential.
When an IV drip is needed during a binge
- drinking for many days in a row and being unable to stop on your own
- signs of dehydration: dry mouth, weakness, passing little urine
- repeated vomiting that makes it impossible to take water or medication by mouth
- tremor, sweating and a rapid heartbeat after stopping drinking
- anxiety, irritability and insomnia during alcohol withdrawal
- headache, blood pressure swings, feeling generally unwell and loss of appetite
- a long history of drinking and a risk of B vitamin deficiency
If heavy drinking has lasted more than two or three days, or there is shaking, vomiting, blood-pressure spikes or insomnia, you need a doctor rather than stopping alone. Phone advice is free. For seizures, confusion or hallucinations call 103 or 112.
What happens to the body during a binge
Ethanol acts as a diuretic, so over days of drinking the body loses water along with potassium, magnesium and sodium. The products of alcohol metabolism, primarily acetaldehyde, are toxic to the cells of the liver, heart and nervous system. Poor nutrition leads to a deficiency of thiamine and other vitamins, and blood glucose regulation is disrupted.
When the person stops drinking, withdrawal syndrome is added to the effects of intoxication: the nervous system, used to the depressant effect of alcohol, switches into a state of overexcitement. This causes tremor, a rapid heartbeat, anxiety and insomnia. An IV drip acts on several of these problems at once: it corrects dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, while the medications added to it reduce withdrawal symptoms.
How an IV drip for a binge is given: the procedure
Before the visit, the doctor asks by phone how long the binge has lasted and about chronic illnesses, allergies and medications. On site, the addiction physician examines the patient and measures blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation and glucose. A venous catheter is then inserted, the solutions are selected and the infusion begins while the patient's wellbeing is monitored. Afterward, the doctor reassesses the readings, leaves recommendations and explains which symptoms mean you should call back or dial 103.
A drip at home is contraindicated in acute psychosis and delirium, seizures, severe heart failure, serious kidney disease, or suspected heart attack, stroke, pancreatitis or bleeding. Combining alcohol with drugs or sedatives is dangerous. In these cases hospital admission is needed, and if life is at risk, call 103 or 112.
How we help
Base solutions
The basis of the drip is saline and glucose-containing solutions. They restore circulating fluid volume, improve blood flow to the kidneys and speed up the removal of alcohol breakdown products. When needed, glucose is given after vitamin B1, because in thiamine deficiency giving glucose without it can worsen damage to the nervous system.
Electrolytes and vitamins
Potassium and magnesium supplements correct the imbalances linked to tremor, muscle cramps and arrhythmia. B vitamins, especially thiamine, are given to prevent Wernicke's encephalopathy — in line with NICE and WHO guidance on managing alcohol withdrawal. The doctor decides whether they are needed and in what order they are given.
Medications as indicated
Depending on the symptoms, liver-protecting drugs, anti-nausea medications, drugs to protect the stomach lining and nootropics may be added to the drip or given separately. For severe anxiety and insomnia, the doctor may prescribe sedatives, including benzodiazepines — but only after assessing breathing and consciousness.
Monitoring during the infusion
The infusion rate is adjusted so as not to overload the heart: it is slower for older people and those with high blood pressure. During the procedure, the doctor monitors blood pressure, pulse and how the patient feels, and responds to any signs of an allergic reaction or deterioration. Afterward, the catheter is removed, the puncture site is cleaned, and the patient is advised to rest.
Myths and facts
MythA drip completely flushes alcohol out of the blood
FactThe solutions help metabolism return to normal, but ethanol is broken down by the liver at a fixed rate. A drip does not instantly “wash out” the blood; it makes the person feel better and lowers the risk of complications.
MythAny health worker can give a drip using a standard formula
FactThere is no single formula that suits everyone. Without checking for contraindications and tailoring the composition, a drip can cause harm, especially in people with heart or kidney disease. That is why the addiction physician decides what goes into it.
MythAfter a drip you can go straight back to normal life
FactWithdrawal continues for several days, and weakness and poor sleep last even longer. The first days call for rest, plenty of fluids, proper meals and no alcohol at all, as well as watchful support from family members.
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 Shakhtinsk
| Home visit and examination | 12 000 ₸ |
| IV drip at home (standard) | 24 000 ₸ |
| IV drip at home (extended) | 36 000 ₸ |
| 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 shakhtinsk you can get help at home, at one of our two branches (173 Pochtovaya St., Shakhtinsk, 108 Lenina St., Shakhtinsk) 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
How soon will I feel better after the drip?
Many patients notice less nausea, weakness and anxiety during the procedure itself or within a few hours afterward. However, how strong the effect is depends on the length of the binge and the person's overall health. Full stabilization takes two to five days.
How many drips are needed for a binge?
After a short binge, one procedure may be enough. With prolonged drinking and severe withdrawal, the doctor may recommend a repeat drip the next day or a course of treatment in an inpatient unit. The number is decided based on changes in blood pressure, pulse, sleep and how the patient feels.
Can a drip be given if the person is still drunk?
The doctor decides after the examination. Mild to moderate intoxication is not always an obstacle, but with deep intoxication or depressed consciousness and breathing, home treatment is not acceptable — in that case you must call an ambulance on 103 or 112.
What tests are needed before a drip?
Lab tests are usually not required for a drip at home: the doctor relies on the examination, blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation and blood glucose. If the patient has chronic liver, kidney or heart disease or diabetes, it helps to show the doctor recent test results and discharge summaries.
Does an IV drip have side effects?
There may be discomfort at the puncture site or a small bruise, and rarely an allergic reaction to one of the components. If the infusion is given too quickly, people with heart disease may develop fluid overload, which is why the doctor controls the infusion rate. Any unusual sensations should be reported immediately.
What should you do after the drip?
Rest, drink water in small sips, eat light meals, avoid alcohol and do not drive. An adult should stay with the patient. If things get worse — hallucinations, seizures or confusion — call 103 or 112. For treatment of the dependence itself, contact a Narcology 24 addiction physician.
Where do doctors visit in Shakhtinsk and where are the branches?
Home visits cover all city districts and nearby settlements, 24/7. Appointments at two branches: 173 Pochtovaya St., Shakhtinsk and 108 Lenina St., Shakhtinsk. Phone in Shakhtinsk: +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
