Reviewed byZhanar Tulegenova, MDPsychiatrist and psychotherapist, experience 18 years · updated 8 Nov 2026
Key facts
- Who provides care
- The clinic’s psychotherapist and counselors; mutual support groups are run by the members themselves
- Where
- Inpatient and outpatient programs in Almaty, groups in person and online
- Duration
- Active work on the steps — usually 3–12 months; group participation — as long as needed
- Anonymity
- Anonymity is a core principle of the program and is protected by the clinic’s medical confidentiality
- When it is urgent
- A binge with seizures or hallucinations, an overdose, or suicidal thoughts — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- Stable sobriety, a supportive community, and a changed attitude toward oneself and life
What you should know
Told by the on-call doctor of our mobile team. Nobody talks about the “12 steps” on a night call — at night the job is to relieve withdrawal and ensure safety. But in the morning, when the person is sober and asks “what next?”, I often tell them about the program. Many have heard of it from movies and TV shows: a circle of chairs, “Hi, my name is…”. The reality is simpler and more practical: regular meetings, a sponsor, clear steps, and people who have been through the same thing and are sober now.
I am honest that the 12 steps are not a substitute for a doctor. If a person has severe withdrawal, a history of delirium tremens, depression, or polysubstance addiction, medical care comes first — detox and treatment of mental health disorders. The program complements treatment well and gives something no IV drip can: a community. In Almaty, there are mutual support groups in different districts, including the Medeu and Bostandyk districts, and online meetings for those who live in Talgar or Konaev.
Who the 12-Step Program May Suit
- people with alcohol, drug, or gambling addiction after detox
- those who value support from people with a similar experience of recovery
- those who relapsed after “coding” or detox
- those looking for long-term support after completing their main treatment
- people who are helped by structure, clear steps, and regular meetings
- those who feel lonely and ashamed because of their addiction
- family members — through separate groups for loved ones of people with addiction
If two or three points apply, it is worth seeing a doctor. Phone advice is free and confidential. If life is at risk, call 103 or 112.
Why the 12-Step Program Helps
The 12-step program emerged in the 1930s within the Alcoholics Anonymous fellowship and has since been adapted for drug, gambling, and other addictions. It is based on recognizing that addiction is an illness that is hard to overcome alone, honestly examining one’s life, repairing relationships, and helping others. The steps provide a consistent structure, and the group provides ongoing support.
In clinical practice, twelve-step facilitation is used — a structured method in which a psychotherapist helps the patient understand the principles of the program and join mutual support groups. Large studies and reviews show that active participation in such groups is associated with longer periods of sobriety in alcohol dependence. The program is not religious, although it speaks of a “higher power,” which each person understands in their own way.
How the Program Works at the Clinic
It begins with the medical stage: a doctor’s home visit or inpatient care, detox, and examination. Then the psychotherapist introduces the patient to the program: explains its principles, discusses doubts, and helps them start working on the first steps. In the inpatient unit, there are daily groups and individual sessions; in the outpatient format, 2–3 sessions a week, some of them online. In parallel, the patient attends open mutual support groups and finds a sponsor. The family can take part in groups for loved ones.
The program does not replace medical treatment: severe withdrawal, delirium, seizures, psychosis, marked depression, and suicidal thoughts require a doctor’s care, and if there is a threat to life — 103 or 112. If the patient has mental health disorders, medications prescribed by a psychiatrist must not be stopped without the doctor’s approval, even if someone in the group thinks they are unnecessary. The program does not suit everyone — the doctor will help choose other methods.
How we help
Twelve-step facilitation
Structured psychotherapy consisting of several individual sessions in which the psychotherapist explains the first steps, helps work through resistance, and prepares the patient to attend groups. The method has been studied in international research as a standalone psychosocial intervention for alcohol dependence and has shown results comparable to CBT.
Groups in inpatient and outpatient care
Narcology 24 programs include groups based on 12-step principles, led by a psychotherapist or counselor. Participants discuss the steps, share their experience, and learn honesty and mutual support. For patients from the suburbs and those who work night shifts, online meetings are available at convenient times. The format is chosen individually.
Mutual support fellowships
After discharge, the patient continues to attend open meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, or Gamblers Anonymous, which operate in Almaty free of charge and independently of the clinic. An important element is the sponsor — a person with long-term sobriety whom you can turn to when a craving hits or in a crisis.
Combining with medical treatment
The program combines well with other methods: medication support prescribed by a doctor, cognitive behavioral therapy, treatment of depression and anxiety, and family therapy. Narcology 24 doctors and psychotherapists draw up a joint plan so that the methods complement rather than contradict each other. The plan is reviewed as treatment progresses.
Myths and facts
MythThe 12 steps are a cult or a religion
FactThe program is not affiliated with any religion or organization. Each participant interprets the idea of a “higher power” in their own way, including in a non-religious sense. Groups are free, participation is voluntary, and you can leave at any time.
MythThe program replaces doctors and medications
FactThe 12 steps do not treat withdrawal, delirium, depression, or psychosis. They are a part of recovery that complements medical care well but does not replace it. Prescribed treatment must not be stopped without a doctor.
MythGroups are only for people who are in a really bad way
FactGroups are useful at any stage: early in sobriety, after rehab, and years into remission. Regular participation supports sobriety and helps notice the warning signs of an approaching relapse in time.
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
| Rehab programme consultation | 12 000 ₸ |
| Outpatient programme (one month) | 150 000 ₸ |
| Residential rehab (one month) | 400 000 ₸ |
| 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
“12-step program” in Almaty is available 24/7, including weekends. Home visits: all city districts and nearby settlements. For appointments, Narcology 24 has two branches: 84 Zhandosova St., Almaty and 21 Seyfullina Ave., office 11, Almaty. If you live elsewhere in Almaty and Almaty Region, call us and we'll advise the fastest way to get help.
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
Do I have to talk about myself in the group?
No. You can simply listen at meetings, especially at first. Anonymity is a core principle: participants introduce themselves by first name only, and what is said at a meeting stays there. People start speaking when they feel ready.
Is the program suitable for drug or gambling addiction?
Yes, there are adapted versions: Narcotics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, and others. The principles are similar. For drug addiction, the preliminary medical stage is especially important — inpatient detox and treatment of mental health disorders.
How long does it take to work through the steps?
Everyone has their own pace. Active work on the steps with a sponsor usually takes from several months to a year. Many people keep attending groups for years because it helps them stay sober and gives them support. There is no need to rush.
Can I take part in groups online?
Yes, many fellowships hold online meetings, including in Russian. This is convenient for people living in the suburbs, working late, or traveling on business. Online groups within the clinic’s program are led by a psychotherapist, which is important in the early stages.
Do I need to be religious?
No. The program suits people of any beliefs, including non-believers. The “higher power” can be the group, the community, or one’s values — whatever helps the person not to face addiction alone. The psychotherapist will help you work through any doubts.
Are there groups for family members?
Yes, there are separate fellowships for loved ones of people with alcohol and drug addiction that work on the same principles. The clinic also offers consultations and family groups with a psychotherapist, in person and online.
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
