Inpatient alcohol detox in Stepnogorsk

Reviewed byRinat Zhumabekov, MDAddiction psychiatrist, experience 21 years · updated 8 Nov 2026

Key facts

ICD-10 code

F10.3

Who provides it

Psychiatrist-narcologists, nurses on a 24-hour ward and, if needed, an internal medicine physician

Where

The clinic's addiction inpatient unit in Stepnogorsk with observation rooms

Duration

Usually 3 to 7 days; longer if there are complications, as decided by the doctor

Confidentiality

Admission without disclosing personal data to third parties and without a registry entry

When it is an emergency

Seizures, hallucinations, confusion, chest pain or vomiting blood — call 103 or 112 immediately

Outcome

Safe completion of alcohol withdrawal and a transition to treatment for the dependence

What you should know

International guidelines (including NICE) recommend inpatient treatment of alcohol withdrawal for people at high risk of complications: those with severe withdrawal, a history of seizures or delirium, serious physical illnesses, use of other substances, older age, and those who have not managed to come off a binge at home. In hospital, the doctor can respond to changes in the patient's condition immediately rather than the next day.

Inpatient alcohol detox in Stepnogorsk at Narcology 24 begins with an examination and lab tests, after which an individual treatment plan is drawn up. Medical staff are on duty on the ward around the clock, and an addiction physician assesses progress every day. The patient stays at the clinic voluntarily, on the basis of written informed consent, and can discuss the discharge date with the doctor. The stay is anonymous and does not lead to registration with the state narcology registry.

Who needs inpatient detox rather than treatment at home

• the binge has lasted more than a week or large amounts of alcohol are being consumed
• there have been seizures, delirium tremens or severe withdrawal in the past
• there is heart, liver or pancreatic disease, or diabetes
• sleeping pills, sedatives or drugs are being taken together with alcohol
• the person has started hearing or seeing things that are not there or is disoriented
• there is no adult at home who can stay with the patient during the first 24 hours
• previous attempts at home detox ended in relapse

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.

Why severe withdrawal requires a hospital stay

Alcohol withdrawal develops in waves: the first symptoms appear 6–12 hours after the last drink, seizures most often occur within the first 48 hours, and alcoholic delirium on days 2–4. It is not always possible to predict in advance who will develop complications, so it is safer for people at risk to be under constant medical supervision.

In hospital, lab tests are available: a complete blood count, blood chemistry, electrolytes, glucose and, when indicated, an ECG. This makes it possible to detect problems with the liver, kidneys, pancreas or heart rhythm and adjust treatment accordingly. In addition, there is no access to alcohol in a hospital setting, which rules out relapse during the hardest phase of withdrawal.

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 Stepnogorsk

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

Where to get help

“Inpatient alcohol detox” in Stepnogorsk is available 24/7, including weekends. Home visits: all city districts and nearby settlements. For appointments, Narcology 24 has two branches: Building 58, Microdistrict 1, Stepnogorsk and Building 4, Microdistrict 9, Stepnogorsk. If you live elsewhere in Akmola 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