Reviewed byTimur Abdrakhmanov, MDPsychotherapist · updated 11.11.2026
Key facts
- Who provides care
- a psychotherapist or psychologist specializing in addiction, together with an addiction physician when needed
- Where
- at the clinic in Almaty, at the family’s home, or on neutral ground; family preparation can be done online
- Duration
- 1–3 preparation sessions of 60–90 minutes each; the intervention itself usually takes 1–2 hours
- Anonymity
- consultations and the meeting are anonymous, with no registration at the state dispensary, and protected by medical confidentiality
- When it is urgent
- a threat to life, dangerous aggression, psychosis, or suicidal thoughts — call 103 or 112 immediately
- Outcome
- the person agrees to an assessment or treatment, and the family gains clear boundaries and a plan of action
What to know
Families in Almaty usually come to us about an intervention once every one-on-one conversation has been exhausted. The mother has already cried, the wife has already left to stay with her parents in Kaskelen, the brother has already shouted — and the person still answers the same way: “Leave me alone, I’ll handle it myself.” An intervention is an attempt to say the same thing differently: not one at a time in the middle of a fight, but together, in a calm setting, with carefully chosen words and a ready offer of where and when to get help.
We are honest with families: the classic harsh “confrontational” intervention familiar from foreign films can cause resentment and a break in the relationship, so at Akalam we use gentle, invitational models — elements of the ARISE and CRAFT approaches described in the professional literature on working with families of people with addiction. The person is not caught off guard; they are invited. There is no “we’ll come and take him away”: involuntary treatment is only possible by court order under the procedure set out in Kazakhstan law.
When a Family Should Consider an Intervention
- one-on-one conversations end in arguments or promises that are never kept
- the addiction affects the whole family: money, children, health, work
- the person denies the problem even though everyone around them sees the consequences
- relatives react in different ways: some cover up, others put on pressure
- loved ones are ready to act together and follow an agreed plan
- there are people the person respects and whose opinion matters to them
- the family has already consulted a specialist and needs a next step
If life is at risk — loss of consciousness, seizures, hallucinations, overdose, suicidal thoughts — call 103 or 112. Helpline for children and young people: 150.
Why Separate Conversations Don’t Work
When each relative talks to the person at a different time and in their own words, it is easy for them to find an answer for everyone: Mom is exaggerating, the wife is to blame herself, the friend should “look at yourself first.” Scattered attempts feel like attacks. On top of that, someone in the family is often quietly enabling the addiction: giving money, making excuses to the person’s employer, calling for an IV drip, and staying silent until the next time.
An intervention unites the family around a single position. Each person prepares a short letter in advance: specific incidents, their own feelings, and a request. The specialist helps remove accusations and threats, keeping the care and the facts. Another important point is that the family agrees in advance on what they will do if the person refuses — which boundaries they will keep. This is not a punishment but a decision to stop participating in the addiction, and it often works later on, even if the person says “no” at first.
How a Family Intervention Works
The first session is with the family only and can conveniently be held online: the specialist learns the history of the addiction, family relationships, and the risks. Then we choose the participants — 3–6 close and important people — and each writes a short letter. At the second session, we read and revise the letters and agree on the place, the time, the treatment plan, and the boundaries in case of refusal. On the day, the person is invited in advance, the specialist leads the conversation, and if they agree, we go straight to an assessment.
An intervention is not held if the person is very drunk, in severe withdrawal, in psychosis, or prone to violence: in these cases, safety comes first, and if life is at risk, call 103 or 112. If the person talks about suicide, do not wait for a meeting — call 112; children and young people can use the 150 helpline. We do not show up without the person’s knowledge to take them away, and we do not use deception or medication: this is illegal and dangerous.
How we help
The Invitational Model
The person is invited to a family meeting with a specialist honestly and in advance, rather than being surprised. If they refuse to come, the meeting with the family still takes place, and the invitation is repeated. This approach, close to the ARISE model, preserves respect and lowers the risk that the person will feel cornered and cut off the relationship.
Preparing Letters and Roles
Each participant writes a short message: what they love and value about the person, which specific situations hurt or frightened them, and what they are asking for. The specialist helps remove generalizations like “you always” and accusations. We decide the speaking order and roles: who speaks first, and who will stay close if the person wants to leave the room.
A Ready Treatment Plan
An intervention is pointless if there is nothing to offer when the person says “yes.” We agree on a specific step with the addiction physician and psychotherapist in advance: an assessment, detox, or inpatient or outpatient rehab. We think through practical matters — who will drive, how long the trip across the city takes, and who will take over the person’s responsibilities during treatment.
Working With the Family After the Meeting
Whatever the outcome, the family receives continued support. If the person agreed, we learn how to help without controlling. If they refused, we keep the agreed boundaries and continue consultations using elements of CRAFT. Relatives with significant codependency are offered separate help from a psychologist and support groups for loved ones.
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
MythAn intervention is when someone is taken away by force
FactNo. The goal of an intervention is to persuade, not to coerce. Adults are treated only with their consent; involuntary treatment is possible only by court order under the procedure set out in Kazakhstan law. The clinic does not “take” people away against their will.
MythThe tougher, the more effective
FactHarsh confrontation often causes shame and resistance, and the person may stop talking to the family altogether. Calm, caring, and specific words combined with clear boundaries usually work better than shouting and threats.
MythIf the person said “no,” the intervention failed
FactA refusal at the meeting is not the end. What the family said often keeps having an effect, and consistent boundaries change the situation over time. Many people agree to treatment a few days or weeks after an intervention.
Prices: Family intervention
| Family intervention | 60 000 ₸ |
| Residential rehab, per month | 299 000 ₸ |
| Outpatient program, per month | 120 000 ₸ |
| Consultation to choose a program | free |
| 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 is an intervention different from a motivational conversation?
A motivational conversation is a one-on-one talk between a specialist and the person. An intervention is a meeting between the whole family and the person, prepared and led by a specialist. It is chosen when the family is ready to act together and individual conversations have not helped. These approaches are often used one after the other.
Who should be invited to an intervention?
People the person respects and who are able to speak calmly: close relatives, an older friend, sometimes a mentor or a colleague. Do not invite anyone who misuses alcohol or drugs themselves, who tends toward aggression, or who might derail the meeting. The final list of participants is decided together with the specialist at a preparation session.
Can an intervention be held at home?
Yes, if the home is calm and free of things that bring back memories of conflict. Sometimes it is better to choose a neutral place or an office at the clinic in Almaty. It is important that the person is sober, that the meeting does not coincide with a hangover or a holiday, and that everyone has time — at least 2 hours without rushing.
What if the person gets angry and walks out?
This can happen, and we prepare for it in advance. Do not hold them back or run after them with reproaches. The specialist wraps up the meeting with the family and discusses the next steps. If walking out is accompanied by threats or aggression that endangers life, call 103 or 112. Usually the conversation can be picked up again later.
Does an intervention help with gambling or drug addiction?
Yes, the principles are the same: specific facts, care, a ready treatment plan, and boundaries. With gambling addiction, we pay special attention to financial matters — access to bank cards and loans. With drug addiction, we plan the safety of the meeting in advance and, if needed, arrange medical care right after it.
Is preparing an intervention confidential?
Yes. Family consultations and the meeting itself at Akalam are anonymous, with no registration at the state dispensary. Information about your family is protected by medical confidentiality under the Kazakhstan Code “On Public Health and the Healthcare System.” If the person agrees to treatment, it will also be anonymous — this is worth telling them during the meeting.
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