Reviewed byOlga Smirnova, MDAddiction psychiatrist, experience 27 years · updated 8 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F10.2
- Who provides care
- A psychotherapist (a medical doctor) trained in suggestion-based methods
- Where
- In a consulting room at the clinic in Almaty, individually or in a small group
- Duration
- A preliminary conversation of about an hour; the session itself takes 1.5–2 hours
- Anonymity
- No registry, medical confidentiality, under a name of your choice
- When it is urgent
- A relapse into a binge, severe withdrawal or suicidal thoughts — 103 or 112
- Outcome
- A commitment to sobriety and a foundation for further addiction treatment
What you should know
During house calls, people often ask me: “Can we do it without injections, so nothing is put into the body?” The person is afraid of medications, has a weak heart or simply does not want “chemicals.” Then we talk about psychotherapeutic methods, and the Dovzhenko method is the best known of them — a form of alcohol “coding” (a treatment widely used in Kazakhstan and CIS countries). I explain honestly right away: it is not magic or “brain programming,” but a form of suggestive psychotherapy, that is, suggestion, which works best when the person genuinely wants to stop drinking.
The path to a session usually starts with an IV drip. Say, a call to the Medeu district after a binge, a repeat visit the next day, then several days of sobriety. After that, the person comes to the clinic on their own — some from the Nauryzbay district, some from Talgar, sitting in evening traffic on Raiymbek Avenue. The psychotherapist holds a preliminary conversation, assesses motivation and contraindications, and only then sets a date for the session. Rushing does not help here.
Who the Dovzhenko Method May Be Right For
- the person has decided to stop drinking themselves and wants psychological support
- there are contraindications to medication-based coding or an implant
- the person is afraid of reacting to medications and prefers a drug-free method
- they have already stayed sober for several days, with no withdrawal or intoxication
- the person is receptive to persuasion and trusts the doctor and the process
- there are no acute mental disorders or serious neurological diseases
- the family is ready to support rather than control and reproach
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. Phone advice is free. For seizures, confusion or hallucinations call 103 or 112.
How Suggestive Psychotherapy Works
The method is named after the doctor who developed it in Soviet times, and since then it has been used in various forms across the former Soviet Union. Its essence is a combination of an explanatory conversation and suggestion in a state of heightened receptiveness. The doctor helps the person form a commitment: alcohol is no longer acceptable for them, and sobriety is their own choice. Importantly, the person remains conscious and understands everything.
It must be said honestly that the evidence base for psychotherapeutic coding is limited: international guidelines such as those from NICE and WHO do not list it among the core methods. Its main effect is linked to motivation, trust and the ritual of making a decision. That is why we see the Dovzhenko method as one possible source of support rather than a stand-alone treatment, and combine it with psychotherapy and follow-up by an addiction doctor.
How the Session Works: From the First Conversation to Follow-Up
The first consultation can be held online by video: the psychotherapist asks about the history of drinking, previous attempts to quit, attitudes toward the method and any illnesses. Then comes an in-person meeting, confirmation of the period of sobriety, an assessment of contraindications and a written informed consent form. The session itself includes a conversation about the harm alcohol does to this particular person, suggestion to build the commitment, and a discussion of the duration. Afterward, there are check-in calls and meetings with the psychotherapist during the first weeks.
The session is not held if the person is intoxicated or has not been sober long enough, or with acute psychosis, severe depression with suicidal thoughts, marked cognitive impairment, epilepsy, after a recent heart attack or stroke, during pregnancy, or without the person’s consent. In case of a relapse with severe withdrawal, seizures or confusion, call 103 or 112; if a teenager is in crisis, the 150 helpline is available.
How we help
Preliminary conversation
The psychotherapist finds out how long and how the person has been drinking, what triggers the binges, what has already been tried and what they expect from coding. Motivation is assessed: if the person came only because they were “made to,” the method is unlikely to work. Sometimes, after such a conversation, we first suggest motivational psychotherapy and postpone the session until the person is ready on their own.
Suggestion session
The session takes place in a calm setting, individually or in a small group. The doctor begins with an explanatory part, followed by suggestion aimed at building a commitment to sobriety. The person remains conscious and can ask questions. No medications are given. After the session, they discuss the period for which the person is making this decision and what to do if cravings appear.
Working with the family
Loved ones often expect that everything will change on its own after the session. The psychotherapist explains how to offer support without constant control, what to do at the first signs of a relapse and how to talk about difficult moments. A separate meeting with relatives helps relieve tension and build new agreements within the family, which is no less important than the session itself.
Follow-up and extension
The first months after the session are when old triggers return: stress, holidays, drinking companions. We offer regular meetings with a psychotherapist, follow-up by an addiction doctor and, if needed, treatment for anxiety or insomnia. When the period ends, we decide together whether to extend it, move on to other methods, or whether supportive psychotherapy is enough.
Myths and facts
MythDovzhenko is hypnosis after which the person remembers nothing
FactDuring the session, the person is conscious and remembers everything. The method is based on suggestion in a state of heightened receptiveness, not on a deep hypnotic sleep. It is precisely this conscious participation that turns the commitment into the person’s own decision.
MythDrinking after coding will be deadly
FactThe Dovzhenko method itself does not cause a chemical reaction to alcohol, since no medications are given. The danger of a relapse lies in returning to binges and withdrawal. We will not frighten anyone with threats of death — that is unethical and does not help.
MythThe method guarantees sobriety for the whole period
FactNo method comes with guarantees. The result depends on the person’s motivation, family support and continued treatment. That is why the session is part of comprehensive care, not a one-off solution to the problem.
How a home visit works
- Call or message usThe dispatcher answers 24/7 and in 3–5 minutes checks the person's condition, age, how long the drinking or use has lasted, chronic conditions and the address. No surname needed.
- The doctor sets offAn addiction doctor or psychiatrist comes with equipment and medication. Travel time depends on the district — usually within an hour. If inpatient care or an ambulance is needed, we'll say so straight away.
- Examination and treatmentBlood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation, blood sugar if needed and a neurological check. Then an IV drip or other treatment as indicated, 1–3 hours.
- A plan for the next daysAdvice for the family on what to do overnight and tomorrow, phone follow-up and a repeat visit if needed.
- Further treatmentCoding, psychotherapy, rehab or psychiatric follow-up — once the acute state has passed and the person is ready.
Prices in Almaty
| Consultation and assessment before the procedure | 10 000 ₸ |
| Procedure (standard) | 50 000 ₸ |
| Procedure (extended) | 80 000 ₸ |
| Phone advice | free |
The final cost is agreed before treatment starts. Prices are in tenge and do not constitute a public offer.
Where to get help
In almaty you can get help at home, at one of our two branches (84 Zhandosova St., Almaty, 21 Seyfullina Ave., office 11, Almaty) or online if you need a consultation rather than a procedure. The dispatcher answers 24/7 and will tell you straight away which option is safest.
Confidential and private
Information about your request, diagnosis and treatment is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”. We do not share it with employers, schools, the police or neighbours; the only exceptions are those expressly set by law. A first name is enough to call us, and paid confidential treatment does not mean a registry entry.
Questions and answers
How long do you need to stay sober before the session?
The doctor decides on the period; usually it means complete sobriety for at least several days, often about a week or more. It is important that the withdrawal symptoms have passed and the person’s mind is clear. If the sober period is shorter, we first help them get through it — with an IV drip or detox.
Can the session be held at home?
We hold the session at the clinic: a calm setting without distractions is important for a psychotherapeutic method. The preliminary conversation can take place online, and if needed, a doctor from the mobile team will come to your home to help with getting out of a binge before the session.
Is the method suitable for people with heart disease?
Because no medications are given, the Dovzhenko method is often chosen precisely when medication-based coding is contraindicated. Nevertheless, after a recent heart attack, with serious heart rhythm disorders and other serious illnesses, the session is postponed. The doctor decides after a conversation and, if necessary, an examination.
Can someone be coded by the Dovzhenko method against their will?
No. The method works only with the person’s voluntary participation and consent. If they are brought in “under pressure,” the psychotherapist will say honestly that the session is pointless and suggest motivational work first. Compulsory treatment is possible only by a court decision in the manner established by the law of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
What should I do if cravings appear?
Call the psychotherapist or the Narcology 24 on-duty doctor — this is a normal step, not a sign of failure. We will help figure out what triggered the craving and adjust the support. If a relapse has already happened and a binge has started, our team will come to your home in any district of Almaty and the suburbs.
Is it anonymous?
Yes. The consultations and the session are anonymous, without state dispensary registration. Information is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System” and is disclosed only in cases expressly provided for by the law of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Where do doctors visit in Almaty and where are the branches?
Home visits cover all city districts and nearby settlements, 24/7. Appointments at two branches: 84 Zhandosova St., Almaty and 21 Seyfullina Ave., office 11, Almaty. Phone in Almaty: +7 (700) 309-29-88.
Sources and methodology
This page was prepared by the Narcology 24 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) guidelines on alcohol and drug misuse and mental health conditions
- WHO recommendations on the treatment of substance use disorders
This information is for reference only and does not replace a consultation with a specialist. Editorial policy
