Reviewed byRinat Zhumabekov, MDAddiction psychiatrist, experience 21 years · updated 8 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F63.0
- Who provides care
- a psychiatrist-narcologist, a psychotherapist, and a psychologist for work with the family
- Where
- outpatient appointments in Taldykorgan, online by video call, and inpatient care in cases of severe depression
- Duration
- psychotherapy lasts 3–6 months, with maintenance sessions for up to a year
- Anonymity
- medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, with no entry in the state dispensary registry
- When it is urgent
- suicidal thoughts triggered by debt or an attempt at self-harm — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- control over behavior, quitting gambling, and restoring finances and relationships
What you should know
Definition. Pathological gambling is classified in ICD-10 under code F63.0 and in ICD-11 under code 6C50 (gambling disorder). The diagnosis is made if a person has lost control over when they start gambling, how often, and for how long, gives it priority over other interests, and keeps gambling despite negative consequences. The signs must persist for at least 12 months, although in severe cases the diagnosis may be made earlier.
Gambling includes casinos, slot machines, online sports betting, online casinos, and lotteries. Being able to place bets from a smartphone speeds up the development of addiction. In terms of mechanism, gambling addiction is similar to substance dependence: the brain forms a stable link between the anticipation of a win and a release of dopamine. Gambling addiction treatment in Taldykorgan at Narcology 24 is provided by a psychiatrist-narcologist and a psychotherapist. There are no pills “for gambling addiction”: treatment is based on psychotherapy, and medications are used to treat co-occurring disorders.
Signs of Gambling Addiction
- thoughts about gambling or betting take up a large part of the person's time
- ever larger sums and more frequent bets are needed to feel the same thrill
- after a loss, there is an urge to win the money back the same day or the next
- the person hides from loved ones how much time they spend gambling and the size of their debts and loans
- borrowing, selling belongings, or using other people's money has begun
- attempts to limit gambling are accompanied by irritability and anxiety
- work, studies, and family suffer because of gambling, and sleep is disrupted
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 Gambling Addiction Develops
Gambling acts on the brain's reward system. The strongest reinforcement comes not from the win itself but from its unpredictability: random wins build a habit more firmly than regular ones. Over time, tolerance develops — bigger bets are needed for the same excitement — along with a syndrome similar to withdrawal: restlessness and irritability when not gambling. Cognitive distortions are typical: belief in a “system,” a “lucky streak,” or the possibility of winning the money back.
Risk factors include an early experience of a big win, impulsivity, ADHD, depression and anxiety disorders, alcohol misuse, financial difficulties, and loneliness. Online betting is available around the clock, and bookmakers' advertising and bonuses increase engagement. Gambling often becomes a way to escape stress, so in treatment it is important to find out which problems the person was trying to solve with it and to build other ways of coping.
How Treatment Works: Stages and Timeline
Stage 1 — a diagnostic consultation, in person or online: the doctor assesses the severity of the addiction and checks for depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and the use of alcohol or other substances. Stage 2 — drawing up a plan: how often sessions take place, financial restrictions, and family involvement. Stage 3 — a course of psychotherapy, usually 1–2 sessions per week. Stage 4 — relapse prevention and maintenance sessions. The online format works well for gambling addiction if there are no acute mental health disturbances.
Limitations. Outpatient and online treatment is not enough in cases of severe depression, suicidal thoughts, co-occurring alcohol or drug addiction in an acute phase, or psychotic symptoms. In such cases, inpatient care may be needed. If a person talks about suicide or is preparing for it, call 103 or 112 and do not leave them alone. For teenagers and young people, the 150 helpline is available.
How we help
Cognitive behavioral therapy
According to international guidelines, CBT is the main treatment for gambling addiction with proven effectiveness. The psychotherapist helps identify and change distorted beliefs about gambling (the illusion of control, the belief that losses can be won back), recognize triggers, and develop an action plan for when cravings hit. The patient learns to plan their free time and money so that there is no room left for gambling.
Motivational interviewing
Many people seek help under pressure from loved ones and doubt that the problem is serious. Motivational interviewing helps a person assess the consequences of gambling for themselves and find their own reasons for change. The method reduces resistance to treatment and is usually used in the first sessions, then combined with CBT.
Financial restrictions and self-exclusion
An important part of treatment is creating barriers to gambling: handing control of finances to a trusted person for the duration of treatment, blocking websites and apps, giving up credit cards, and asking bookmakers for self-exclusion. These measures do not replace psychotherapy, but they reduce the risk of an impulsive bet at a moment of strong craving.
Treatment of co-occurring disorders
Depression, anxiety, alcohol misuse, and ADHD often accompany gambling addiction and raise the risk of relapse. A psychiatrist carries out the diagnosis and prescribes medication if needed. Medications do not remove the urge to gamble directly, but by stabilizing mood and sleep, they make it possible to engage fully in psychotherapy.
Myths and facts
MythGambling addiction is a weakness of character, not an illness
FactGambling disorder is included in ICD-10 and ICD-11 as a distinct condition. It has stable neurobiological mechanisms and responds to treatment. Blame and shame stop people from seeking help — they do not stop the gambling.
MythYou can win it back and then quit
FactThe urge to win back losses is one of the key symptoms of addiction. The odds in gambling are designed so that, in the long run, the player loses. Trying to recover money by gambling usually increases debts.
MythIf the debts are paid off, the person will stop gambling
FactPaying off debts without treatment is often seen as a chance to start over and does not reduce the urge to gamble. Financial help is effective only together with psychotherapy and clear limits on access to money.
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 Taldykorgan
| Initial addiction doctor consultation | 9 500 ₸ |
| Inpatient detox (per day) | 28 000 ₸ |
| Psychotherapy course (8 sessions) | 77 000 ₸ |
| 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
Narcology 24 in Taldykorgan: our duty team makes home visits day and night, usually within an hour (all city districts and nearby settlements). Two branches for appointments and procedures — 94 Gagarina St., Taldykorgan and 180 Birzhan sala St., Taldykorgan. When indicated, we arrange admission and transport.
Confidential and private
in Taldykorgan 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
Are there pills or “coding” for gambling addiction?
There are no specific medications that remove the urge to gamble, and “coding” (a treatment widely used in Kazakhstan and CIS countries) has no evidence base for gambling addiction. Treatment is based on psychotherapy. Medications are prescribed if depression, anxiety, or other disorders that sustain gambling are identified.
How long does treatment take?
The core course of psychotherapy usually takes 3–6 months, with one or two sessions per week. After that, maintenance sessions are recommended for a year. The length depends on the severity of the addiction, co-occurring disorders, and family involvement.
Can I be treated entirely online?
Yes. For gambling addiction, online psychotherapy by video call is a fully valid format if there is no acute depression, no suicidal thoughts, and no active alcohol or drug addiction. At the first consultation, the doctor will assess whether the online format is right for you.
How can I help a loved one who refuses treatment?
Start with a consultation for the family. The psychotherapist will explain how to talk without blame, why debts should not be paid off unconditionally, and how to protect the family budget. A change in the behavior of loved ones often becomes the reason the person decides to seek help themselves.
Will my employer or bank find out?
No. Contacting Narcology 24 is anonymous, and the information is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System.” Information is not shared without your consent, except in cases expressly provided for by law.
What should I do if suicidal thoughts appear?
In gambling addiction, suicidal thoughts often arise against the background of debt. This is an emergency: call 103 or 112, tell your loved ones, and do not stay alone. Once the danger has passed, be sure to see a psychiatrist for treatment.
Where do doctors visit in Taldykorgan and where are the branches?
Home visits cover all city districts and nearby settlements, 24/7. Appointments at two branches: 94 Gagarina St., Taldykorgan and 180 Birzhan sala St., Taldykorgan. Phone in Taldykorgan: +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
