Opioid blockade in Temirtau

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

Key facts

ICD-10 code

F11.2

Who provides it

A psychiatrist-narcologist at the clinic, after detox and an assessment

Where

At the clinic in Temirtau or in the inpatient unit where the patient went through detox

Duration

The procedure takes 30–60 minutes; how long it works depends on the dosage form

Confidentiality

Anonymous, with no registration in the state narcology registry; information is protected by medical confidentiality

When it is an emergency

Slow breathing, blue lips or loss of consciousness after using — call 103 or 112

Outcome

The effect of opioids is blocked and remission is supported during treatment

What you should know

Opioid dependence (F11.2 in ICD-10) is a chronic disease with a high risk of relapse and overdose. Opioid receptor antagonists occupy the same receptors as heroin, methadone, morphine and other opioids, but do not activate them. While the drug is working, opioids do not produce their usual effect, so using them becomes pointless. The WHO and international guidelines consider antagonists one of the options for supporting remission in motivated patients after detox.

An opioid blockade in Temirtau at Narcology 24 is carried out by a psychiatrist-narcologist. The key safety condition is that there are no opioids in the body: if an antagonist is given while opioids are still present, severe withdrawal develops. That is why the procedure is preceded by detox, the required period of abstinence, testing and, if there is any doubt, a challenge test. The patient receives full information about how the drug works, how long it lasts and its risks, and signs an informed consent form.

Who an opioid receptor blockade is for

• people with opioid dependence who have completed detox and decided to stop using
• those who still have strong cravings and a high risk of relapse after detox
• patients for whom a medication “safety net” matters in the first months of remission
• those who are in rehab or outpatient psychotherapy
• people who have completed the required abstinence period and test negative for opioids
• people without severe liver damage or acute hepatitis
• people who do not need pain relief with opioid medications

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 remission needs support after detox

Opioids change how the brain's reward system works, and after detox cravings often persist for months. Stress, meeting old acquaintances, insomnia and depression can easily trigger a relapse. Without support, most people go back to using within the first weeks and months after detox — this is recognized by international clinical guidelines.

The most dangerous moment of a relapse is the first use after a break: tolerance is lower, and a dose that used to be “normal” can suppress breathing. The antagonist lowers this risk while it is working, but once it wears off, tolerance also remains low. That is why the patient is always told about the risk of overdose, and the family is advised to learn the signs of depressed breathing and to call 103 or 112 immediately.

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 Temirtau

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

Where to get help

“Opioid blockade” in Temirtau is available 24/7, including weekends. Home visits: all city districts and nearby settlements. For appointments, Narcology 24 has two branches: 150 Chkalova St., Temirtau and 124 Gorkogo St., Temirtau. If you live elsewhere in Karaganda 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