Drug withdrawal treatment in Zhanaozen

Reviewed byOlga Smirnova, MDAddiction psychiatrist, experience 27 years · updated 8 Nov 2026

Key facts

ICD-10 code

F11.3

Who provides it

A psychiatrist-narcologist; in severe cases, the inpatient unit team

Where

At home in Zhanaozen for mild to moderate cases; in an inpatient unit for complications and mixed substance use

Duration

The acute phase of opioid withdrawal usually lasts 5–10 days; residual symptoms can last for weeks

Confidentiality

Anonymous treatment with no registry entry; medical confidentiality under the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan

When it is an emergency

Suspected overdose, slow breathing, seizures, psychosis or suicidal thoughts — call 103 or 112

Outcome

Acute withdrawal symptoms are controlled and the patient moves on to treatment for the addiction

What you should know

“Lomka” is the colloquial Russian word for withdrawal syndrome, most often opioid withdrawal. In ICD-10, opioid withdrawal is coded F11.3, and withdrawal from other substances has the corresponding codes in the F10–F19 section. The condition shows up as muscle and joint pain, chills, watery eyes, a runny nose, dilated pupils, diarrhea, nausea, insomnia, anxiety and intense cravings for the substance. Although opioid withdrawal is rarely directly life-threatening, it is agonizing and almost always leads to relapse without medical help.

Drug withdrawal treatment in Zhanaozen at Narcology 24 follows the principles of symptomatic and detox therapy set out in clinical protocols. The approach depends on the substance: withdrawal from opioids, stimulants, benzodiazepines and synthetic drugs follows different courses and carries different risks. Stopping benzodiazepines and barbiturates, for example, can cause seizures, so it is done only gradually and under supervision. The doctor decides where treatment should take place after an examination.

Signs of withdrawal syndrome

• aching pain in the muscles, joints and lower back a few hours after the last dose
• chills, goosebumps, sweating, watery eyes and a runny nose
• dilated pupils, yawning, sneezing and increased sensitivity to light
• nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea and rapid fluid loss
• insomnia, restlessness, irritability and being unable to sit still
• a rapid pulse, raised blood pressure and fever
• obsessive cravings for the substance that are hard to control

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 withdrawal develops and why it is dangerous

With regular opioid use, the body produces fewer of its own endorphins and receptor sensitivity changes. When the substance stops coming in, the systems it was suppressing — the autonomic nervous system, the pain system and the stress system — become overactive. This is how withdrawal syndrome arises. Its severity depends on the substance, how long it has been used, the dose and the person's overall health.

The main danger is not withdrawal itself but what comes after it. After a few days without the substance, tolerance drops, and going back to the previous dose can cause a fatal overdose. In addition, vomiting and diarrhea cause dehydration, and coexisting heart disease or HIV infection makes the course more severe. That is why treating withdrawal should always be linked to further treatment right away.

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 Zhanaozen

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

Where to get help

In zhanaozen you can get help at home, at one of our two branches (Building 6, Kurkemes Microdistrict, Zhanaozen, Building 47, Astana Microdistrict, Zhanaozen) 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

in Zhanaozen 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