Reviewed byRinat Zhumabekov, MDAddiction psychiatrist, experience 21 years · updated 8 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F10.2
- Who provides it
- A psychiatrist-narcologist in the clinic's treatment room; a surgeon if needed
- Where
- Only at the clinic in Taraz, in a treatment room; it is not done at home
- Duration
- The procedure takes 20–40 minutes; the effect lasts for a limited period depending on the drug
- Confidentiality
- Anonymous, with no registry entry; information is protected by medical confidentiality
- When it is an emergency
- Difficulty breathing, chest pain or fainting after alcohol, or a festering wound with fever — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- Long-term medication support for sobriety while the dependence is being treated
What you should know
An implant is one form of long-term medication support for sobriety. Through a small incision, a slowly dissolving dosage form is placed under the skin, usually in the buttock, the shoulder-blade area or the lower abdomen. There are implants containing drugs that cause alcohol intolerance and implants with opioid receptor antagonists that reduce cravings. The choice depends on the patient's health, goals and the doctor's recommendations.
An alcohol implant in Taraz at Narcology 24 is placed only at the clinic, under aseptic conditions, by a doctor with the appropriate training. An assessment and the required period of sobriety are mandatory beforehand, followed by monitoring of wound healing and consultations afterward. The patient receives full information about how the drug works, how long it lasts and the risks of drinking alcohol, and signs an informed consent form. An implant is part of comprehensive treatment, not a guarantee of lifelong sobriety.
Who an alcohol implant may be suitable for
- people with alcohol dependence who have firmly decided to stop drinking
- those who find it hard to take pills regularly or attend procedures
- patients who need support during recovery and psychotherapy
- those for whom coding and other methods had only a short-lived effect
- people who have stayed sober for the required period and show no signs of withdrawal
- people whose heart, liver and kidneys are in satisfactory condition according to the assessment
- people with no allergy to the drug's components and no skin infection at the implant site
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.
How an implant works and why honest information matters
Sensitizing implants contain a substance that blocks the enzyme that breaks down acetaldehyde. If a person drinks alcohol, acetaldehyde builds up, causing flushing, a pounding heart, nausea, a drop in blood pressure and sometimes severe reactions. Implants with opioid receptor antagonists work differently: they reduce cravings and the pleasure from alcohol, but do not cause an intolerance reaction.
According to international reviews, the effectiveness of implants varies: drug release can differ from person to person, and part of the effect is psychological — simply knowing the implant is there. That is why an honest doctor does not promise “protection for years” or threaten death. The goal is to give the patient clear information so they can make an informed decision and know what to do in a risky situation.
How an alcohol implant is placed: the stages
Stage 1 — a consultation, the first part of which can be done online: drinking history, length of sobriety, illnesses, medications and allergies. Stage 2 — an in-person examination, an ECG and lab tests as indicated. Stage 3 — choosing the drug and signing the informed consent form. Stage 4 — the procedure: cleaning the skin, local anesthesia, a small incision, placing the implant, and stitches or a sterile dressing. Stage 5 — a wound-healing check a few days later.
An implant is contraindicated during intoxication or without the required period of sobriety, and in coronary heart disease, severe high blood pressure, arrhythmias, liver or kidney disease with impaired function, epilepsy, psychosis, pregnancy or a skin infection at the implant site. Opioid antagonists must not be given to people using opioids. In case of a severe reaction to alcohol, call 103 or 112.
How we help
Assessment before the implant
The doctor takes a medical history, carries out an examination, measures blood pressure and pulse, and orders an ECG and, if necessary, blood tests — a complete blood count, blood chemistry and liver function tests. If the patient takes other medications, their compatibility with the implant drug is checked. Only then does the doctor recommend a specific type of implant or suggest an alternative method.
Sensitizing implant
This type of drug creates intolerance to alcohol: drinking causes a pronounced unpleasant and sometimes dangerous reaction. The method requires strict sobriety before the procedure and an understanding of the risks. The patient is told which foods and medications contain alcohol and what to avoid for as long as the implant is active.
Opioid antagonist implant
This kind of implant does not cause a reaction to alcohol; instead, it reduces alcohol's rewarding effect and cravings. Opioid receptor antagonists are included in international guidelines for treating alcohol dependence. Before the implant is placed, opioid use is ruled out, and the patient is warned that opioid painkillers will not work while the implant is active.
Monitoring and support
After the procedure, wound healing is checked and stitches are removed if necessary. While the implant is active, Narcology 24 recommends regular consultations with an addiction physician and psychotherapy: this helps address the reasons for drinking and learn to cope with cravings and stress. The patient receives an information leaflet with the clinic's contact details.
Myths and facts
MythAn implant protects against alcoholism forever
FactThe drug works for a limited period and then dissolves completely. It supports sobriety during treatment but does not remove the causes of the dependence — that requires psychotherapy and lifestyle changes.
MythAn implant can be placed without the person noticing
FactPlacing an implant is a minor surgical procedure carried out only with the written informed consent of a patient with legal capacity. Any intervention without consent is against the law and medical ethics.
MythAn implant is easy to “neutralize” with pills
FactThere are no safe ways to quickly neutralize an implant on your own. Trying to drink “through the implant” or removing it without a doctor is dangerous. If you have changed your mind, see your doctor and discuss the options.
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 Taraz
| Consultation and assessment before the procedure | 9 000 ₸ |
| Procedure (standard) | 45 000 ₸ |
| Procedure (extended) | 72 000 ₸ |
| 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
“Alcohol implant” in Taraz is available 24/7, including weekends. Home visits: all city districts and nearby settlements. For appointments, Narcology 24 has two branches: 163 Al-Farabi St., Taraz and 52 Tole bi St., office 29, Taraz. If you live elsewhere in Zhambyl Region, call us and we'll advise the fastest way to get help.
Confidential and private
in Taraz 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
Does getting an implant hurt?
The procedure is done under local anesthesia, so you only feel pressure while the implant is being placed. Once the anesthetic wears off, there may be moderate soreness at the incision site for a few days. The doctor will give advice on wound care and, if necessary, on pain relief.
How long do you need to stay sober before an implant?
The doctor sets the period depending on the type of implant. For sensitizing drugs it is usually longer than for opioid antagonists. If you cannot get through the required period without help, detox is done first, at home or in an inpatient unit under the supervision of an addiction physician.
What happens if you drink after getting an implant?
With a sensitizing implant, a pronounced reaction is possible: flushing, a pounding heart, difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure and, in severe cases, dangerous heart rhythm disturbances. If you have these symptoms, call 103 or 112. With an opioid antagonist implant there is no severe reaction, but the effect of alcohol is reduced.
Can an implant be removed early?
Yes, it can be removed surgically at the clinic as long as the drug has not fully dissolved. The decision is made together with the doctor, who explains the consequences. Trying to remove the implant yourself is dangerous because of the risk of infection and bleeding.
How should I care for the implant site?
For the first few days, keep the dressing dry, do not rub the incision and avoid saunas, swimming pools and strenuous exercise. If you notice redness, swelling, discharge or a fever, see a doctor. Stitches, if any, are removed at the clinic on the scheduled date.
Will my employer find out about the implant?
No. The procedure is anonymous and does not involve registration with the state narcology registry. Information about your visit is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System” and is disclosed only in cases provided for by law.
Where do doctors visit in Taraz and where are the branches?
Home visits cover all city districts and nearby settlements, 24/7. Appointments at two branches: 163 Al-Farabi St., Taraz and 52 Tole bi St., office 29, Taraz. Phone in Taraz: +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
