Codependency: help for families in Ayagoz

Reviewed byRinat Zhumabekov, MDAddiction psychiatrist, experience 21 years · updated 8 Nov 2026

Key facts

Who provides care

a psychotherapist and a psychologist, plus a psychiatrist if a relative has anxiety or depression

Where

online by video call from anywhere in Ayagoz, or in-person appointments at the clinic

Duration

a consultation takes 60–90 minutes; a course of family therapy lasts from 2–3 months

Anonymity

confidential; information about your loved one and your family is protected by medical confidentiality

When it is urgent

threats, violence, overdose, or psychosis in a loved one — call 103 or 112

Outcome

less anxiety, clear boundaries, and constructive support for your loved one's treatment

What you should know

Definition. Codependency is not a diagnosis in ICD-10 or ICD-11; it is a concept from the practice of helping families that describes the state of people living alongside someone with alcohol, drug, or gambling addiction. Codependency is characterized by excessive control, attempts to “rescue” a loved one from the consequences of their use, neglect of one's own needs, chronic stress, and swings between hope and despair. Relatives themselves may develop anxiety and depressive disorders, as well as sleep problems.

The family is an important participant in addiction treatment. International guidelines, including NICE recommendations, state that involving loved ones increases the likelihood that a person will seek help and stay sober. That is why at Narcology 24, relatives can get a consultation even before the person agrees to treatment. Family support in Ayagoz is provided by a psychotherapist and a psychologist, and a psychiatrist joins if a relative has severe anxiety or depression. Most sessions are conveniently held online.

Signs of Codependency

• the family's mood and plans depend entirely on whether your loved one is sober
• you check their phone, pockets, and money, and call to find out where they are
• you make excuses for your loved one to their employer and relatives and pay off their debts
• you feel guilty for their substance use and believe you can stop them
• you have given up friends, hobbies, rest, and your own medical care
• you live in constant anxiety, sleep poorly, and get irritated over small things
• you alternate between threats, pleading, and promises, but nothing changes

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.

How Codependency Develops

The addiction of one family member creates chronic stress for everyone. To maintain some semblance of stability, loved ones take responsibility for that person's actions: they hide problems, settle conflicts, pay off debts, and call doctors. Over time, these actions become habitual, and their own needs fade into the background. Paradoxically, such care often shields the person from the consequences of their use and reduces their motivation to seek treatment.

Codependency is more likely in people who grew up in a family with addiction or rigid rules, who are used to caring for others, and who feel responsible for how others are doing. It is intensified by shame, fear of judgment, financial dependence on the loved one, and a lack of information about the illness. It is important to understand that codependency is not the relative's fault but a natural reaction to prolonged stress, and it can be worked on just like any other condition.

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 Ayagoz

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 Ayagoz: 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 — 73 Zhambyla St., office 29, Ayagoz and 114 Ualikhanova St., office 44, Ayagoz. When indicated, we arrange admission and transport.

Confidential and private

in Ayagoz 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