Reviewed by: Assel Omarova, MD, psychiatrist and addiction specialist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F10.2
- Who provides care
- A psychiatrist-narcologist (addiction specialist), with a psychotherapist if needed
- Format
- Online consultation and preparation; the procedure itself is done in person at the clinic
- Duration
- Consultation takes 30–60 minutes; the method’s effect lasts from several months to a year or longer
- Confidentiality
- Medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan; no registry entry for anonymous requests
- When it’s urgent
- Feeling unwell after drinking alcohol following the procedure — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- Support for sobriety as part of comprehensive addiction treatment
What you should know
The term “coding” is not a strict medical concept: in Russian-speaking practice it refers to a group of methods that help people with alcohol dependence syndrome (F10.2 in ICD-10) stay away from alcohol. These include long-acting medications, drugs that cause an intolerance reaction to alcohol, and suggestion-based psychotherapeutic techniques. None of these methods is regarded as a stand-alone treatment.
International clinical guidelines describe medication support for sobriety as part of a comprehensive program that also includes psychotherapy and social support. At Psychiatry Online, the online stage includes a consultation with an addiction specialist, a medical history, and a discussion of expectations and contraindications. The coding procedure in Kazakhstan is carried out only in person, after an examination and confirmation that the patient has stayed sober for the required period.
Who May Consider Alcohol Coding
- repeated drinking binges despite a sincere wish to stop drinking
- relapses after periods of sobriety when self-control was not enough
- a need for an external safeguard to stay sober during the first months
- a deliberate decision by the patient to give up alcohol for a long period
- no serious physical illnesses that would rule out the procedure
- willingness to combine the procedure with psychotherapy and medical follow-up
- sobriety for at least the period the doctor sets before the procedure
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. An online consultation is free and helps assess the risks before a visit. For seizures, confusion or hallucinations call 103 or 112.
Why Willpower Alone Is Often Not Enough
Alcohol dependence is a chronic disease that changes how the brain systems responsible for reward, motivation, and impulse control work. Even with a firm decision to quit, a person faces cravings that grow stronger under stress, in familiar settings, or in certain company. That is why many people look for an additional tool to help them get through the most vulnerable period.
Coding methods act as an external restraint: the person knows that drinking alcohol after the procedure will bring unpleasant or dangerous consequences. This gives them time to build new habits and work through the psychological problems that previously kept the drinking going. Without that work, the restraining effect weakens over time and the risk of returning to alcohol remains.
How Online Preparation for Coding Works
During the video consultation, the addiction specialist asks about your drinking history, the number and length of binges, previous treatment attempts, chronic illnesses, and current medications. It is a good idea to have any medical records and test results on hand. The doctor explains the differences between methods, their limitations, and possible risks, after which the patient makes a decision. The consultation takes place over a secure connection and is not recorded without the patient’s consent.
The coding procedure itself is not done online. It requires an in-person examination, blood pressure and pulse measurement, an ECG and lab tests if needed, and confirmation of sobriety. If the patient has serious heart or liver disease, a mental disorder in an acute phase, or is pregnant, the doctor may recommend other treatment options.
How we help
Medication-based methods
These use drugs from groups that block the effects of alcohol or change how it is metabolized. The choice depends on the patient’s health, coexisting illnesses, and preferences. They are prescribed only by a doctor after an in-person examination; specific medications and doses are decided individually and discussed at the appointment, not chosen from advertisements.
Psychotherapeutic methods
This group includes techniques based on suggestion and on building a mindset of sobriety. Their effectiveness depends largely on the patient’s trust in the specialist and their motivation. Modern approaches combine these techniques with cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people recognize triggers and develop alternative ways of coping with stress.
Relapse prevention therapy
Besides coding, there are medications that reduce alcohol cravings and are used as part of long-term follow-up. They do not cause an intolerance reaction and may suit people for whom coding is contraindicated. The choice is made together with the doctor based on the results of the consultation and examination.
Support after the procedure
Regular online sessions with an addiction specialist or psychotherapist help people stay sober after coding. These sessions cover difficult situations, changes in well-being, and plans for the time when the method’s effect wears off. Such support lowers the risk of relapse, helps spot warning signs early, and makes the result more lasting.
Myths and facts
MythCoding gets rid of alcohol cravings forever
FactNo method eliminates addiction for good. Coding creates a period during which it is easier for a person to abstain from alcohol. A lasting result is achieved only by addressing the reasons behind the drinking and changing one’s lifestyle.
MythA person can be coded without their knowledge
FactAny medical intervention requires voluntary informed consent. Carrying out the procedure without the patient’s knowledge violates the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and medical ethics, and it can also be dangerous to the person’s health.
MythCoding is suitable for everyone
FactCoding methods have contraindications: a number of heart, liver, and nervous system diseases, mental disorders in an acute phase, and pregnancy. That is why a consultation and examination are needed before the procedure, and sometimes a different treatment method is chosen.
How an online appointment works
- Message or callWrite on WhatsApp or call — our coordinator replies within minutes, day or night. You don't have to give your surname.
- Doctor and timeWe match you with a psychiatrist, addiction specialist or psychotherapist and agree on a time — often the same day.
- Video consultationA secure 50–60 minute video call: the doctor takes a detailed history and uses standardised scales if needed.
- Treatment planYou receive a clear summary, recommendations and a plan: what we do online and what needs an in-person visit or home call.
- Follow-upOnline follow-up sessions, messenger contact with your doctor, and treatment adjustments until you get a stable result.
Prices in Kazakhstan
| Online consultation before coding | free |
| Assessment and coding procedure | 55 000 ₸ |
| Online therapist support (4 sessions) | 50 000 ₸ |
The final cost is agreed before treatment starts. Prices are in tenge and do not constitute a public offer.
Where to get help
An online consultation for “Alcohol coding treatment” is available from any city in Kazakhstan — all you need is a smartphone or computer with internet. In 45 cities we also offer home visits and in-person appointments. Choose your city at the top of the page to see addresses and visit areas.
Confidential and private
Information about your visit, diagnosis and treatment is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”. We never share it with your employer, school or relatives without your consent; the only exceptions are those expressly set out by law. For an online consultation your first name is enough, video runs over a secure channel and nothing is recorded without your consent.
Questions and answers
Can I get coded online?
No. An online consultation with an addiction specialist in Kazakhstan includes an assessment of contraindications, a discussion of methods, and preparation. The procedure itself requires an in-person examination, a sobriety check, and usually medical tests. Any offers to “code from a photo” or over the phone do not meet medical standards and have no proven effectiveness.
How long do I need to stay sober before coding?
The required period of sobriety before the procedure is set by the doctor and depends on the chosen method and the patient’s condition. It is usually a matter of several days. During the online consultation, the doctor will explain the requirements and, if necessary, recommend detoxification first.
What happens if I drink after coding?
The consequences depend on the method and range from feeling severely unwell to life-threatening conditions. That is why you should never “test” the procedure. If you feel unwell after drinking alcohol, call 103 or 112 immediately and tell them about the procedure you have had.
Can coding be reversed early?
In some cases, the doctor may discuss ending the method’s effect early, but this is decided individually and only in person. Trying to “decode” yourself with dubious remedies is dangerous. It is better to raise any doubts in advance during an online consultation.
Will my employer find out about the coding?
No, information about your treatment is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System.” With an anonymous request, the patient is not placed on any registry. Information may be disclosed only in cases expressly provided for by law.
How do I choose between coding and other methods?
The choice depends on your drinking history, health, motivation, and personal preferences. At the consultation, the addiction specialist explains the advantages and limitations of each option, including relapse prevention medication and psychotherapy. The patient makes the decision after receiving full information, and you can book a consultation in Kazakhstan at any time of day or night.
Sources and methodology
This page was prepared by the Psychiatry Online medical editorial team based on:
- International Classification of Diseases ICD-10 and ICD-11, World Health Organization
- Clinical diagnosis and treatment protocols of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”
- NICE (UK) and APA (US) guidelines on the treatment of mental disorders
- WHO recommendations on telemedicine and digital health
This information is for reference only and does not replace a consultation with a specialist. Editorial policy
