Reviewed byBaurzhan Kassymov, MDAddiction physician · updated 11.11.2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F10.2
- Who provides care
- a psychiatrist–addiction physician; for psychotherapeutic methods, a psychotherapist (a medical doctor)
- Where
- at the clinic in Almaty, in the doctor’s office; some methods require a treatment room
- Duration
- consultation and testing take 1–2 hours; the procedure itself takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the method
- Anonymity
- anonymous, with no registry entry; documents about the procedure are given only to the patient
- When it is urgent
- coding is not done during a binge; with seizures, psychosis or chest pain — call 103 or 112 first
- Outcome
- support for sobriety for the agreed period, provided the person continues treatment and genuinely wants to stay sober
What to know
The word “coding” covers very different methods. Some rely on medications that make drinking unpleasant and dangerous, others reduce cravings, and still others work through psychotherapeutic suggestion and strengthening the decision not to drink. They have one thing in common: this is not a magic “button” but a tool that helps a person hold on during the first months of sobriety while they learn to live without alcohol. Here we help you figure out which path is right for you.
In Almaty, requests for coding most often come from wives and mothers, but only the person themselves can make the decision — without their informed consent no method works, and doing it “secretly” is impossible and illegal. A Akalam doctor first finds out why the person wants coding: to keep a job, a family, a driver’s license, their health. The choice of method and its duration depend on this motivation. Details of each individual method are given on related pages.
Who coding may be right for
- the person wants to stop drinking but cannot hold out for more than a few weeks
- previous attempts to quit on their own ended in a binge
- binge detox has already been completed and there are several days of sobriety
- an external “limiter” is important while restoring work or family life
- there is no serious heart or liver disease and no psychiatric contraindications
- the person is ready to sign informed consent and understands the risks
- the person plans to work with a psychotherapist or a group at the same time
If life is at risk — loss of consciousness, seizures, hallucinations, overdose, suicidal thoughts — call 103 or 112. Helpline for children and young people: 150.
How the method is chosen and why preparation matters
The choice of method depends on the person’s health, how long and how severe the dependence is, past attempts and individual characteristics. Medications that cause a strong reaction with alcohol are not suitable for someone with heart disease. For people who are afraid of injections, a psychotherapeutic method can be offered. For those whose main problem is uncontrollable craving, medications that reduce it. That is why a consultation and testing come first, not a procedure picked “off the price list.”
Preparation includes the required period of sobriety — usually from a few days to 1–2 weeks depending on the method — lab tests, an ECG and a liver assessment. The doctor explains in detail what will happen if the person drinks after coding and asks them to sign a written informed consent form. This is not a formality: the person must clearly understand what they are agreeing to; otherwise the method loses its meaning and can be dangerous.
How the coding procedure works
The first step can be taken online: over video, the doctor will ask about binges, illnesses and medications, explain the methods and tell you how long to stay sober before the visit. Next comes an in-person appointment at the clinic in Almaty: an examination, blood pressure, an ECG and lab tests. After that, the doctor suggests 1–2 suitable methods, discusses the duration and risks, and the patient signs the consent form. The procedure is performed, and at the end follow-up visits and ongoing support are agreed.
Coding is not done while the person is intoxicated or on a binge, with an insufficient period of sobriety, with serious heart and vascular disease, decompensated liver or kidney disease, epilepsy, pregnancy or an acute psychotic state, or without the person’s own consent. If the person is currently on a binge or in withdrawal, binge detox comes first. With life-threatening symptoms, call 103 or 112.
How we help
Medication-based methods
Medications are given intravenously or intramuscularly, implanted, or prescribed as tablets. Some block the breakdown of alcohol, so drinking triggers a severe reaction — flushing, a pounding heart, a drop in blood pressure. Others, such as opioid receptor antagonists, reduce the pleasure from alcohol and the craving. The choice depends on health — this is covered in detail on the medication-based coding page.
Psychotherapeutic methods
These are based on suggestion and strengthening the commitment to sobriety. The best known is the Dovzhenko method, in which the doctor instills in the patient a firm prohibition on alcohol during a session. These methods do not involve administering medications, but they require strong motivation and trust in the doctor. Details are on a separate page about the Dovzhenko method.
Combined approaches
Sometimes the doctor suggests combining a craving-reducing medication with psychotherapeutic support, or performing the procedure after a course of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This approach recognizes that addiction affects the body, habits and relationships alike. The decision to combine methods is made together with the patient, without pushing additional services.
Support after coding
The hardest periods are the first 3 months, as well as anniversaries, holidays and vacations. A Akalam doctor offers follow-up visits, psychotherapy, family work and, when needed, mutual support groups. If a strong craving or thoughts of “testing it” appear, it is better to call the doctor early rather than wait for a relapse: cravings can be discussed and reduced.
How treatment works
- 01Call or WhatsAppThe administrator and the doctor on duty clarify the situation and tell you what to do right now.
- 02Examination or consultationThe doctor visits your home, sees you at the clinic or joins by video.
- 03Treatment planWe choose the format — at home, inpatient, psychotherapy or rehab — with a clear price.
- 04Ongoing supportYour doctor and psychotherapist stay in touch: follow-ups, family support and relapse prevention.
Myths and facts
MythA person can be coded without their knowledge
FactNo. Every method requires informed written consent. Slipping medications into food is life-threatening and illegal. If the person is not ready, the work should focus on motivation and the family.
MythCoding lasts forever
FactEach method is designed for a specific period, which is discussed with the doctor. The dependence itself does not disappear: what matters is how the person fills the period of sobriety — with treatment, psychotherapy and new habits.
MythIf you drink after coding, you can die instantly
FactThe consequences depend on the method: from an unpleasant reaction to a life-threatening condition with medication-based methods. The doctor explains the risks in detail before the procedure. If someone drinks after coding and feels unwell, call 103.
Prices: Alcohol aversion therapy (coding)
| Alcohol aversion therapy (coding) | |
| Addiction doctor home visit: examination and advice | 20 000 ₸ |
| Repeat IV drip the next day | 20 000 ₸ |
| 24 hours in the inpatient unit | 45 000 ₸ |
| Phone consultation | free |
Prices are approximate: the doctor confirms the exact cost after the examination, before treatment starts.
Confidential
We do not register patients with state dispensaries or share information with employers. You do not have to give your surname; doctors arrive in unmarked cars. Medical confidentiality is protected by the Code of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”.
Clinic addresses
FAQ
How long do I need to stay sober before coding?
It depends on the method and your condition: usually from a few days to 1–2 weeks. For some medications, the requirement is stricter. The doctor will give the exact period at the consultation. If the person is currently on a binge, binge detox is done first, followed by the required period of sobriety.
How do I choose a coding method?
The choice is made together with the doctor after an examination and testing. Health, length of dependence, past attempts, personal fears and preferences are all taken into account. Sometimes the doctor suggests starting not with coding but with psychotherapy or craving-reducing medications, if that is safer.
Can coding be reversed?
With medication-based methods, the effect wears off over time, and some implants can be removed by a doctor. “Decoding” done by amateurs is dangerous. If you want to end the effect of a method early, discuss it with the addiction physician who performed the procedure.
What about work and official records?
The procedure is anonymous, you are not placed on the state dispensary registry, and no information is passed to your employer. The document about the procedure is given to the patient personally — it can be shown to the family if that is part of an agreement. Medical confidentiality is protected by the law of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Does a relative need to come to the appointment?
Not necessarily, but the support of a loved one often helps. The patient makes the decision about coding and signs the consent form personally. Relatives can have a separate consultation on how to behave after the procedure and how to recognize the risk of relapse.
What if the craving remains?
Cravings after coding are common, especially in the first months. This does not mean the method “didn’t work.” Tell your doctor: psychotherapy, craving-reducing medications and support groups can be added. Most importantly, do not test the method with alcohol.
Sources and review
Prepared by the Akalam medical editorial team based on:
- ICD-10 and ICD-11: mental and behavioural disorders
- Clinical protocols of the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan
- Code of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”
- WHO: mental health and substance use
- NICE and APA clinical guidelines
This information is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Editorial policy