How to get a loved one into treatment in Taraz

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

Key facts

Who provides it

A psychiatrist-narcologist or psychotherapist trained in motivational interviewing

Where

At the patient’s home, at the clinic, or by video call

Duration

One meeting lasts 60–90 minutes; usually 1–4 meetings over 1–4 weeks

Anonymity

No documents or last names, no registry entry

When it is urgent

If your loved one has delirium, seizures, an overdose, or suicidal thoughts — call 103 or 112 first

Outcome

Agreement to a first step — a consultation, detox, or inpatient care — and a treatment plan

What you should know

Denial of the problem is a characteristic feature of addiction, not a sign of stubbornness or indifference toward the family. A person may sincerely believe they are in control of their drinking or drug use, or may fear treatment, publicity, or losing their job. Motivational work aims to lower these barriers: to give accurate information, discuss fears, and help the person see the gap between their values and where their substance use is leading them.

At Narcology 24, motivational counseling is provided by an addiction specialist and a psychotherapist. This may be a conversation with the person themselves at home or by video, preparing relatives for the conversation, or a joint family meeting with a specialist. Motivation for treatment in Taraz is built on the principles of voluntariness and respect: the clinic does not use deception, threats, or physical coercion, and the decision about treatment remains with the person.

Signs Your Loved One Needs Motivational Support

• the person admits they drink or use “a lot” but refuses any kind of help
• promises to quit on their own keep being made but are never kept
• conversations about treatment end in aggression, hurt feelings, or the person walking out of the house
• the person fears publicity, the registry, or losing their job and avoids doctors for that reason
• after a previous unsuccessful treatment, they believe “nothing will help”
• they waver: one day they agree to treatment, the next day they refuse
• substance use has already caused health problems, but this does not change their behavior

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 People With Addiction Refuse Treatment

The main reasons for refusal: 1) denial and minimization — a defense mechanism that helps the person avoid seeing the scale of the problem; 2) fear of withdrawal — the person remembers how hard it is to stop; 3) shame and stigma — not wanting to admit being “sick”; 4) fear of legal and social consequences; 5) negative experience with previous treatment; 6) ambivalence — wanting to change and, at the same time, wanting to keep a familiar way of coping with stress.

The motivational approach assumes that ambivalence is a normal stage of change, not resistance that has to be broken. The specialist helps the person hear their own arguments in favor of sobriety. Learning that treatment in Taraz can be anonymous, without a registry entry, and that withdrawal is managed under a doctor’s supervision often removes the main fears and makes the first step possible.

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 Taraz

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

Where to get help

In taraz you can get help at home, at one of our two branches (163 Al-Farabi St., Taraz, 52 Tole bi St., office 29, Taraz) 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