Delirium tremens: emergency help in Zharkent

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

Key facts

ICD-10 code

F10.4

Who provides it

Hospital doctors: a psychiatrist-narcologist and, in severe cases, an intensive care specialist

Where

Only in an inpatient unit with round-the-clock monitoring; delirium is not treated at home in Zharkent

Duration

The acute phase usually lasts 3–7 days; longer if there are complications

Confidentiality

A consultation with an addiction physician is anonymous; emergency admission is covered by medical confidentiality

When it is an emergency

Immediately in case of confusion, hallucinations, seizures or high fever — call 103 or 112

Outcome

Recovery from psychosis, restored orientation and a transition to treatment for the dependence

What you should know

In ICD-10, alcoholic delirium is coded F10.4 — “withdrawal state with delirium.” It usually develops 48–96 hours after stopping or sharply cutting down on alcohol, most often in people with many years of dependence, previous episodes of delirium or seizures, coexisting infections, injuries or liver disease. Without treatment, delirium can be fatal because of heart rhythm disturbances, dehydration, hyperthermia and injuries.

It is important to understand that delirium tremens is not a case where a drip at home is enough. International guidelines, including NICE, state that delirium during alcohol withdrawal requires inpatient treatment with round-the-clock monitoring. Narcology 24 advises relatives, helps them understand what is happening and arrange hospital admission in Zharkent, and provides treatment for the dependence once the acute condition has resolved.

Early signs of alcoholic delirium

• insomnia for several nights in a row after stopping drinking
• growing anxiety, fear and restlessness; the person cannot settle anywhere
• coarse tremor of the hands and whole body, heavy sweating and a rapid pulse
• disorientation: the person confuses the time and place and does not recognize familiar people
• visual hallucinations — insects, animals, human figures, moving shadows
• speech becomes incoherent and behavior chaotic or aggressive
• fever, blood pressure swings and seizures

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 delirium tremens develops

After years of drinking, the nervous system adapts to the constant depressant effect of alcohol. When drinking stops abruptly, hyperexcitability develops: the inhibitory mechanisms that rely on the GABA system are weakened, while the excitatory mechanisms linked to glutamate are, by contrast, overactive. In severe cases, this leads to impaired consciousness and psychotic symptoms.

Delirium can be triggered by accompanying factors: infections, injuries (including head injuries), surgery, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and thiamine deficiency. The risk is especially high in those who have already had delirium or withdrawal seizures. That is why people at risk who are planning to stop drinking are advised to undergo medically supervised detox rather than quit abruptly at home.

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 Zharkent

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

Where to get help

“Delirium tremens: emergency help” in Zharkent is available 24/7, including weekends. Home visits: all city districts and nearby settlements. For appointments, Narcology 24 has two branches: 59 Abaya St., Zharkent and 125 Konaeva St., office 17, Zharkent. If you live elsewhere in Zhetysu 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