Russia revives sobering-up centres with a healthcare-first approach in Tomsk

Russia has brought back sobering-up centres after a 15-year absence. The first medical facility of its kind, operated under healthcare rules rather than police oversight, has reopened in Tomsk as a test project for other regions. Unlike past versions, this centre operates under healthcare rules rather than police oversight.

The legal groundwork for these centres began with a federal law in December 2020, allowing regional governments to decide whether to set up such facilities. The Tomsk region then passed its own legislation in December 2023, paving the way for the new centre.

The Tomsk facility treats intoxicated individuals but does not hold them beyond 24 hours. If patients need more advanced care, they are transferred to specialised hospitals. Authorities stress that this is a medical service, not a detention unit.

As of February 2026, no other regions have adopted the Tomsk model. The project remains a pilot, with its future expansion depending on local decisions.

The Tomsk centre marks a shift from police-run sobering stations to a healthcare-based approach. Regional governments now have the power to introduce similar facilities if they choose. For now, the Tomsk model remains the only active example in Russia.