Dovzhenko method coding in Astana

Reviewed byOlga Smirnova, MDAddiction psychiatrist, experience 27 years · updated 8 Nov 2026

Key facts

ICD-10 code

F10.2

Who provides care

A psychotherapist or an addiction physician trained in the method

Where

In a consulting room at the clinic in Astana, in a calm setting

Duration

Consultation and session usually take 1.5–3 hours, sometimes over two visits

Anonymity

No state registry, medical confidentiality under the law of the Republic of Kazakhstan

When it is urgent

The session is not held during a binge — detox and sobriety come first

Outcome

A commitment to sobriety for the chosen period as part of comprehensive treatment

What you should know

Many families have heard of the Dovzhenko method, and plenty of legends surround it — from “hypnosis that cuts off cravings forever” to “an empty formality.” We will be honest: it is a psychotherapeutic, suggestion-based technique built on suggestion and motivational work. It is a form of alcohol “coding” (a treatment widely used in Kazakhstan and CIS countries) and can become solid support for someone who has decided themselves to quit drinking, but it is not a “magic button.” Below we explain how the session works, who it suits, and what loved ones should do before and after.

Relatives in Astana often think that a method without injections or pills is a “gentle” option that can be offered to a person with almost no preparation. In reality, its requirements are serious: sobriety, no psychiatric contraindications, and a sincere wish on the patient’s part. The Narcology 24 psychotherapist first holds a conversation, assesses readiness, and only then schedules a session. You can come for a consultation from any district — from Yesil and Nura to Saryarka and Baikonur.

Which loved ones the Dovzhenko method may suit

• the person wants to stop drinking and is looking for outside support for that decision
• there are contraindications to medication-based coding, or a fear of injections
• the person is open to suggestion, trusts the doctor and is ready for psychotherapeutic work
• they have completed the required period of sobriety and are sober now
• there are no acute mental disorders, epilepsy or serious heart disease
• the family is ready to support sobriety and not bring up past relapses
• the person is ready to keep seeing a psychotherapist after the session

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.

What the method is based on and what to expect from it

The Dovzhenko method belongs to the psychotherapeutic techniques of suggestion — influence delivered in a state of heightened concentration. The doctor builds in the patient a commitment to give up alcohol, drawing on the patient’s own wish. It is important to understand that this is not a hypnotic trance or “programming” against a person’s will. If the person does not want to quit, suggestion will not work. The evidence base for the method is limited, and we say so openly.

The method works best as part of a program: sobriety, a conversation about the reasons for drinking, family support and follow-up psychotherapy. In Astana, many people live with overtime and business trips, and stress pushes them toward alcohol. So after the session, it is worth planning ahead what will replace the habit of “unwinding” in the evening, especially during the long winter evenings, when frost and wind mean fewer walks.

How we help

Myths and facts

How a home visit works

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Further treatmentCoding, psychotherapy, rehab or psychiatric follow-up — once the acute state has passed and the person is ready.

Prices in Astana

The final cost is agreed before treatment starts. Prices are in tenge and do not constitute a public offer.

Where to get help

Narcology 24 in Astana: our duty team makes home visits day and night, usually within an hour (all city districts and nearby settlements). Two branches for appointments and procedures — 6 Auezova St., office 37, Astana and 176 Imanova St., Astana. When indicated, we arrange admission and transport.

Confidential and private

in Astana our doctor can come in ordinary clothes in an unmarked car. Treatment documents are given only to the patient. If you need a certificate or sick note, this is discussed separately and only at your request.

Questions and answers