Addiction medicine: treatment of alcohol, drug and behavioral addictions

Addiction Medicine

Detailed service pages are available in Russian.

Addiction is a medical condition

Addiction is not a moral failure or a lack of character. It is a chronic medical condition that changes how the brain responds to reward, stress and self-control. That is why simply deciding to stop is often not enough, and why professional medical help significantly improves the chances of recovery. The sooner treatment begins, the easier it is to prevent serious complications for health, family and work.

Our addiction specialists work together with psychiatrists, because addiction very often coexists with depression, anxiety, sleep problems or trauma. Treating these conditions at the same time reduces the risk of relapse and helps a person build a stable life without substances.

Alcoholism and binge drinking

Stopping heavy drinking abruptly after several days of a binge can be dangerous: withdrawal may cause tremors, sweating, high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, severe anxiety, insomnia and, in some cases, seizures or alcohol-induced psychosis (delirium tremens). Medical supervision makes this period safer and much more comfortable. Our doctors can come to your home at any time of day or night, assess the condition and provide IV infusion therapy and other necessary care.

After withdrawal is relieved, the real work begins: understanding why drinking became a problem and building a plan to prevent relapse. We treat alcohol dependence in men and women, including beer alcoholism, and offer anonymous treatment for those who are especially concerned about privacy.

• Binge withdrawal treatment at home or in the inpatient unit
• IV infusion therapy after a drinking binge
• Treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome
• Treatment of alcohol-induced psychosis
• Long-term treatment of alcohol dependence

Coding and relapse prevention

In Kazakhstan and other post-Soviet countries, the word “coding” is widely used for methods that help a person maintain sobriety by creating a strong motivation not to drink. These include psychotherapeutic methods, such as the Dovzhenko method, as well as injection-based and implant methods. If you are not familiar with these terms, our doctor will explain each option, how it works, its limitations and contraindications.

Any such procedure is carried out only after a medical examination, with the informed and voluntary consent of the patient, and only after a period of complete sobriety. We see coding not as a standalone solution but as one part of a broader program that includes psychotherapy and regular follow-up. We also perform coding reversal when there are medical or personal reasons for it.

Drug addiction

We treat dependence on a wide range of substances. These include opioids such as heroin, methadone and tramadol; stimulants such as amphetamine, methamphetamine, cocaine, mephedrone and synthetic cathinones (“bath salts”, alpha-PVP); cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids (spice); ecstasy (MDMA), LSD and other hallucinogens; and inhalants. Many patients use several substances, and we have experience in treating polysubstance addiction.

Each substance has its own withdrawal pattern and specific risks, so treatment is always individual. It usually begins with relief of withdrawal symptoms and detoxification, followed by treatment of sleep, mood and anxiety problems that typically accompany early recovery, and then by psychotherapy and rehabilitation aimed at long-term abstinence.

Prescription medication addiction

Dependence can also develop on medicines that were originally prescribed by a doctor: sleeping pills, tranquilizers, pregabalin (Lyrica), opioid painkillers. Many people do not realize they have become dependent until they try to stop and face strong withdrawal symptoms. Stopping such medicines abruptly can be harmful, so it should be done under medical supervision.

Our specialists develop a gradual and safe plan for discontinuation, treat the anxiety or insomnia that led to the medication use in the first place, and help the person find alternative ways of coping. For expats who brought medication from home, we can review the prescription and discuss safe options.

Detox, inpatient care and rehabilitation

Detoxification is the first stage of treatment, during which the body is cleared of substances and withdrawal symptoms are relieved. Depending on the condition, it can be done at home under a doctor's supervision or in our own inpatient unit, where medical staff monitor the patient around the clock and can respond quickly to any changes.

After detox, rehabilitation helps a person rebuild daily routines, learn to cope with cravings and stress, repair relationships and return to work or study. We help select the right rehabilitation format and stay in contact with the patient and family during and after the program.

Support for families

Addiction affects the whole family. Relatives often live in constant tension, try to control the situation, cover for their loved one or feel guilty and helpless. This state is known as codependency, and it deserves professional attention in its own right. Our specialists offer consultations and therapy for family members, helping them protect their own health and respond to the situation more effectively.

If a loved one refuses treatment, we can help with motivation: a carefully prepared conversation (intervention) guided by a specialist, which aims to help the person accept help voluntarily. We also offer drug testing when the family or the patient needs objective information.

Behavioral addictions

Not all addictions involve substances. Gambling, online gaming, compulsive internet and social media use can lead to debt, conflicts, sleep deprivation and depression. These conditions respond to structured psychotherapy, work with underlying anxiety or mood problems and, when needed, medication.

We also help people quit smoking and vaping. Nicotine dependence is one of the most common addictions, and a combination of medical support and behavioral techniques significantly increases the chances of quitting for good.

Urgent situations

Our doctors make home visits 24/7, but some situations require state emergency services. If a person has lost consciousness, has difficulty breathing, has seizures, shows signs of severe poisoning or overdose, or behaves in a way that endangers themselves or others, call 112 or 103 immediately.

Once the immediate danger has passed, contact us to continue treatment. A free phone consultation with a doctor is available at any time and will help you decide on the next steps.

Frequently asked questions