Reviewed by: Askar Sarsenbayev, MD, addiction medicine physician · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F10.3
- Who provides care
- an addiction medicine physician (narcologist): online video assessment, followed by a home visit from a specialist with an infusion kit
- Format
- a video call for the initial assessment plus a home visit; a follow-up call with the doctor after the procedure
- Duration
- video assessment 10–15 minutes; the IV drip itself usually takes 1–3 hours depending on the patient's condition
- Confidentiality
- no registration with the state registry; medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”
- When it's an emergency
- seizures, confusion, hallucinations, chest pain, vomiting blood — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- reduced intoxication and withdrawal symptoms, plus a plan for further addiction treatment
What you should know
By the third or fourth day of a drinking binge, a person can barely get up from the couch, and relatives have no idea how to help or whether the situation is dangerous. The most common way people reach us looks like this: you write on WhatsApp, “my husband has been drinking for five days and his hands are shaking,” the administrator on duty brings in a narcologist, and within a few minutes the doctor sees the patient over video. The doctor asks how long the binge has lasted, about blood pressure and chronic illnesses, and decides whether the person can safely be helped at home or needs hospital care.
The online step does not replace the IV drip, but it saves time and makes the home visit safer: the doctor arrives already knowing the situation and carrying the right set of solutions. In Almaty this matters a lot — in evening rush hour, the drive from Nauryzbay district to the city center can take more than an hour, and it is better if that hour is not spent gathering basic information. Psychiatry Online visits all districts of the city and the nearby suburbs, including Kaskelen, Talgar and Konaev, works around the clock, and does not register patients with the state addiction registry.
When to Call a Doctor for an IV Drip
- the binge has lasted more than two or three days and the person cannot stop on their own
- hands tremble, sweating and a racing heartbeat appear whenever they try not to drink
- there is nausea or vomiting, and they cannot keep down even small amounts of water or food
- anxiety, insomnia, irritability or a feeling of “inner shaking” have appeared
- blood pressure is unstable, or there is chronic heart or liver disease or diabetes
- previous attempts to come off a binge at home were accompanied by severe symptoms
- the patient is over 50 or takes regular medication for other health conditions
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 Coming Off a Binge Feels So Bad — and Why an IV Drip Helps
Long-term drinking changes the way the nervous system works: the brain adapts to the constant presence of ethanol, and when a person suddenly stops drinking, alcohol withdrawal syndrome develops (F10.3 in ICD-10). It shows up as tremor, sweating, a fast heart rate, anxiety and insomnia. At the same time, the body loses fluids and electrolytes and accumulates the breakdown products of alcohol, which is why people feel worst precisely during the first day without drinking.
An IV drip helps restore fluid and electrolyte balance, support the liver and heart, and soften withdrawal symptoms. The doctor chooses what goes into the drip after examining the patient: rehydration solutions, B vitamins and, if needed, medications to support the heart, liver and sleep — the specific drugs and amounts are decided individually. It is important to understand that an IV drip gets a person out of the acute state but does not treat the addiction itself, so afterward we offer a next step.
How the Online Step Helps Before an IV Drip Home Visit
You message us on WhatsApp or call, and the administrator confirms your address and immediately connects you with a narcologist. On the video call, the doctor asks to see the patient and asks how long the binge has lasted, how much was consumed, when the last drink was, and about blood pressure, chronic illnesses and current medications. An ordinary smartphone is enough; the camera should show the face and hands. If the patient cannot talk, relatives can answer. The conversation is not recorded, and the information stays within the clinic.
The IV drip itself obviously cannot be given online: it requires an in-person examination and measurement of blood pressure, pulse and oxygen saturation. If the doctor sees signs of alcohol withdrawal delirium (delirium tremens), seizures, or severe heart or breathing problems on video, they will not take risks and will advise you to call 103 or 112 immediately or go to the hospital. A home IV drip is suitable for moderate withdrawal, when the person is conscious and agrees to receive help.
How we help
Video assessment by a narcologist
A short video call before the home visit lets the doctor gauge how severe the withdrawal is, rule out dangerous conditions and prepare the right set of solutions. For the family, it also brings the first clear instructions: what to give the person to drink, how to position them, and what not to do before the doctor arrives. The online assessment is available around the clock, including at night and on public holidays.
Infusion therapy at home
The doctor comes to your home, examines the patient, measures blood pressure and pulse, sets up the IV drip and monitors the patient's condition for the entire procedure. The composition of the solutions depends on age, weight, other health conditions and how severe the intoxication is. After the procedure, the doctor explains to relatives how to manage the next 24 hours and which symptoms to watch out for.
Online monitoring after the IV drip
A few hours later and again the next day, the narcologist checks in by video to assess sleep, appetite, tremor and mood. This helps catch any deterioration early and prevent another binge in the first, most vulnerable days. If the patient's condition changes, the doctor will advise whether a second home visit or hospital admission is needed.
Moving on to addiction treatment
Once the binge is over, the doctor discusses the next steps with the patient: online consultations with a narcologist, psychotherapy, relapse prevention and, if the patient wishes, alcohol “coding” (a treatment widely used in Kazakhstan and CIS countries) after a medical evaluation, or a suitable rehabilitation program. The patient makes the decision; we help choose a realistic option that fits around work and family.
Myths and facts
MythAn IV drip on its own will cure alcoholism
FactAn IV drip relieves intoxication and eases withdrawal, but it does not change the craving for alcohol. Without further addiction treatment, binges often come back, so a doctor's home visit is only the first step, after which it is worth discussing a plan with a narcologist.
MythAny medic or a friend with some medical training can set up an IV drip
FactAlcohol withdrawal carries risks for the heart, blood pressure and nervous system, so you need a doctor who can assess contraindications and respond to complications. Self-administered drips without a medical examination can be dangerous.
MythIf you call a narcologist, the person will be put on the state registry
FactWhen you seek anonymous care from a private clinic, no registration takes place. Information about treatment is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System” and may be disclosed only in cases explicitly provided for by law.
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 Almaty
| Online assessment before the visit | free |
| Home alcohol detox (IV drip) | 40 000 ₸ |
| Night visit (10 pm – 8 am) | 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
You can book in Almaty online or at one of two branches: 129 Kurmangazy St., office 8, Almaty, 110 Bogenbay batyra St., office 15, Almaty. Our coordinator replies on WhatsApp within minutes at any time, and a doctor usually connects by video the same day; home visits are available too — all city districts and nearby settlements.
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
How quickly can a doctor come to give an IV drip in Almaty?
It depends on the district and traffic: visits to the city center and Bostandyk district are usually faster, while Nauryzbay district, Kaskelen or Talgar take longer. The narcologist does the video assessment right away, and the administrator will give you an exact arrival time once your address is confirmed.
Can an IV drip be given if the person is still drinking today?
The doctor decides this after assessing the patient's condition. Usually the procedure is done when the person is ready to stop drinking and is conscious. If they are heavily intoxicated, the doctor may recommend waiting or taking other measures first. Discuss the situation over video before the visit.
What should we prepare before the narcologist arrives?
A list of medications the person takes regularly, information about chronic illnesses and allergies, and roughly how long the binge has lasted. You will need a place where the patient can lie down for 1–3 hours and access to drinking water. If you have hospital discharge summaries, keep them at hand.
When is a home IV drip not appropriate?
Seizures, hallucinations, confusion, severe chest pain, vomiting blood or a high fever are signs of conditions that require hospital care. In these cases, call 103 or 112. The narcologist may also refer the patient to a hospital during the video call if the risks look high.
Will the home visit be discreet for neighbors and work?
The doctor arrives in an unmarked car and without identifying signs, at a convenient time if needed. We do not report the treatment to anyone and do not register the patient anywhere. Your data is protected by medical confidentiality, and documents are issued only at your request.
What should be done after the IV drip so the binge doesn't happen again?
Drink enough fluids, sleep, do not stay alone during the first 24 hours, and get in touch with the doctor at the agreed times. After that, it is worth discussing addiction treatment: online support from a narcologist and psychotherapist helps maintain sobriety without having to drive across the city in traffic.
Where can I be seen in Almaty?
Online — from anywhere in the city or region. In person — at two branches: 129 Kurmangazy St., office 8, Almaty and 110 Bogenbay batyra St., office 15, Almaty. Both are open 24/7; home visits cover all city districts and nearby settlements.
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
