Reviewed byBaurzhan Kassymov, MDAddiction physician · updated 11.11.2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F10.2
- Who provides it
- an addiction physician or psychotherapist trained in suggestive psychotherapy
- Where
- a consulting room at the clinic in Almaty or Astana; the preliminary conversation can be online
- Duration
- the session takes 1.5–3 hours; the commitment period is agreed individually, from one year
- Confidentiality
- anonymous, without registration, with written informed consent
- When it is an emergency
- a severe condition after a relapse, suicidal thoughts, seizures — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- a psychological commitment to sobriety, supported by the doctor and family
What to know
The Dovzhenko method emerged in Soviet addiction medicine in the second half of the 20th century and has remained one of the best-known forms of alcohol “coding” (a treatment widely used in Kazakhstan and CIS countries) ever since. I always explain its essence honestly to patients: it is not a procedure in which something is introduced into the body, but a psychotherapeutic intervention. Through suggestion and an emotionally charged conversation, the doctor helps the person consolidate their decision not to drink. The effect depends largely on personal motivation and trust in the doctor.
That is why I do not recommend this method to people who have been “brought in” by relatives against their wishes: without a personal decision, suggestion works weakly and not for long. But for those who are already ready to stop and want strong psychological support, the method can be a good start to a sober life. On this page I will explain how a session works, how to prepare for it, and what it is reasonable — and not reasonable — to expect from it.
Who May Benefit from the Dovzhenko Method
- the person has decided to stop drinking on their own and is looking for psychological support
- there is no wish or opportunity to use medication-based methods
- there are health-related contraindications to the drugs used for coding
- the person trusts the doctor and is receptive to psychotherapeutic influence
- support is needed at the start of sobriety after coming off a binge and being examined
- the person is ready to stay sober for the required period before the session
- the person agrees to follow-up appointments with a doctor or psychotherapist
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 Psychotherapeutic Coding Works
The method is based on suggestion — targeted suggestive influence that reinforces the person's own decision. During the session, the doctor creates a state of heightened concentration and emotional engagement in which the commitment to giving up alcohol is absorbed more deeply than in an ordinary conversation. This is not hypnosis in the everyday sense: the person remains conscious and remembers what is happening.
The strength of the method is that it draws on the patient's own resources: their values, fears, plans and relationships with loved ones. Its weakness is that the effect depends on motivation and may fade if sobriety is not supported by other measures. That is why modern addiction medicine regards the Dovzhenko method as part of comprehensive treatment, together with psychotherapy and family support, rather than as a stand-alone “solution to the problem.”
How a Dovzhenko Method Session Works
First comes a conversation: it can be held online so that the doctor can learn about the drinking history, motivation and expectations. Then there is an in-person meeting: an examination, blood tests if needed, confirmation of the period of sobriety and signing of the consent form. The session itself is usually individual and takes place in a calm setting. The doctor explains in detail what will happen, conducts the psychotherapeutic part and then reinforces the commitment. After the session there are recommendations and a schedule of follow-up appointments.
The method is not used without the patient's consent, while a person is intoxicated or in withdrawal, in an acute mental disorder, with marked memory and thinking impairments, severe epilepsy, or during the acute phase of serious illnesses. If after the session severe anxiety, thoughts of suicide or a serious condition after a relapse appear, call 103 or 112 immediately; for children and young people, there is also the 150 helpline.
How we help
Preliminary conversation and assessment
Before the session, the doctor finds out how long the person has been drinking, what they have tried before, why they have decided to stop now, and whether there are any mental or physical illnesses. This is not a formality: the answers determine whether the method is suitable at all. If motivation is weak or there are contraindications, the doctor will say so honestly and suggest another treatment option.
The psychotherapeutic part of the session
The doctor discusses with the patient the consequences of drinking, their goals and values, and helps them put their decision to stay sober into their own words. Then suggestive influence is applied, during which the commitment is consolidated. The patient remains conscious and takes an active part in the process rather than being a passive object of the doctor's influence.
Consolidation and ending the session
At the end, the doctor sums up, agrees on how long the commitment will last and explains what to do in difficult situations. The person may experience strong emotions — this is normal. It is important that someone close is with them after the session and that there are no plans involving a risk of drinking on the same day or over the next few evenings.
Support after coding
For the commitment to last longer, regular appointments with a Akalam doctor or psychotherapist are important, along with work on the reasons for drinking, sometimes group therapy and help for the family. If strong cravings or doubts appear, it is better to come in earlier than scheduled: this strengthens sobriety and noticeably reduces the risk of relapse.
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
MythThe Dovzhenko method is hypnosis after which a person remembers nothing
FactThe patient remains conscious, remembers the session and takes part in it. It is suggestive psychotherapy, not “brainwashing.” Without the person's consent and involvement, the method does not work and is not performed.
MythDrinking after the session is deadly
FactWith the psychotherapeutic method, no drugs that cause a reaction to alcohol are introduced into the body. The fear of drinking is part of the commitment, not a chemical reaction. Still, a relapse is a reason to see a doctor urgently.
MythThe method works the same way for everyone
FactThe effect depends largely on motivation, trust in the doctor and support after the session. For some people the commitment lasts a long time, while for others it fades more quickly. That is why the method is used as part of comprehensive treatment, not as the only measure.
Prices: Dovzhenko method
| Dovzhenko method | 35 000 ₸ |
| 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 you need to stay sober before the session?
Usually the doctor asks you not to drink alcohol for at least several days, so that your head is clear and withdrawal symptoms have passed. The exact period is given at the consultation. If there was a binge just before, you first need to come off it safely and only then plan the session.
For how long is the commitment set?
The period is discussed with the doctor in advance, most often one year or more. It is important that it is realistic and chosen by the patient. When the period ends, the commitment can be extended, or you can move on to other forms of support if sobriety has already become a habit.
Can the session be held online?
The preliminary conversation and consultations for relatives — yes, online. The session itself is held in person: personal contact, the setting and the doctor's ability to observe the patient's condition all matter for the method. Patients from other cities of Kazakhstan usually travel to our clinics in Almaty or Astana.
How is this method different from medication-based coding?
With medication-based coding, a drug is administered that changes the body's reaction to alcohol or reduces cravings. The Dovzhenko method does not use drugs and works through a psychological commitment. That is why it is also suitable for people with contraindications to medications, but it requires strong motivation.
What should I do if I relapse?
Do not hide it and do not torment yourself with guilt. Contact your doctor: a relapse is not a reason to give up but a signal that additional support is needed. If you feel seriously unwell after drinking, have seizures or thoughts of suicide, call 103 or 112 immediately.
Can I bring a relative without their consent?
No. The Dovzhenko method, like any form of coding, is carried out only with the voluntary written consent of the adult patient. For relatives, we can offer a consultation with a Akalam addiction physician or psychotherapist on how to talk to your loved one and motivate them to seek treatment.
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