In order to successfully treat individuals addicted to drugs and alcohol, Dr. Nazaraliev strongly believes the patient’s co-dependent (s) must undergo evaluation and possible treatment as well.  Examples of co-dependents include a patient’s husband, wife, mother, etc. and he/she is hospitalized with the patient at MCN.

This experimental treatment technique was first tested in 1991.  The study was based on observed interactions of the two subjects. Medical researchers meticulously noted the co-dependency nature of their relationship, more specifically the emotional dependency of one subject on the other.  The medical experts concluded the emotional co-dependency of the relationship could exhibit harmful characteristics, thus producing a variable that prevented a patient from overcoming his/her addiction.

Moreover, if the co-dependent were found to be suffering from a psychological disorder or psychosomatic health issue, the patients’ recidivism rate increased proportionally.  In order to provide the highest quality of care for both subjects, a complex approach of psychotherapy-related methods geared towards to the co-dependents were developed at MCN.

From the start, all co-dependents undergo a series of psychological tests, the goal of which is to identify his/her psychological status. If a co-dependent is diagnosed with a neurotic or psycho-somatic disorder, he/she is assigned a specific treatment program and placed into a psychotherapeutic program for co-dependents.

MCN pioneered the practice of treating co-dependents as a necessary means to fulfill its responsibility in providing the highest quality of treatment to recovering addicts.  It is important to our medical staff to facilitate a wholesome family environment for the patient upon his/her completion of the treatment program.  The patient’s co-dependent is a part of that environment and we believe their relationship is important to ensure the patient does not relapse.  MCN is the only rehabilitation clinic that continues to implement this practice.

Both the patient and the co-dependent undergo psychotherapeutic procedures during the first stage of treatment. Next, co-dependents participate in individual, group and patient-combined psychotherapy sessions within the framework treatment processes.  Like patients, co-dependents undergo lapidopsychotherapy treatment; this practice drastically reduces psycho-emotional tensions experienced by the co-dependents and prepares them for the further refining of themselves. 

The aim of group sessions with co-dependents is to identify both personality and personal concerns. Sessions are orientated towards establishing communication, emotional relief, the realization of one’s private “I” and personal value in this world.  In order to break free of the destructive characteristics, a co-dependent must embrace his/her personality.  It is essential for the co-dependent to begin to feel more creative and independent, to aspire in accomplishing his/her own goals thereby increasing the definitive respect and mutual support when co-existence is reestablished with the patient in full recovery from addiction. 

Co-dependents learn how to live life more independently, thus weakening their caretaker role to the recovering addict.   When the primary role of caretaker ceases to exist, recovery addicts assume full responsibility for their own behavior and choices.  This is useful for the emotional status of both individuals and creates a positive family environment.  In the rehabilitation clinic, the co-dependents have the opportunity to observe the course of treatments and recovery of their loved ones.  They are informed, not only about the treatment processes, but about alcohol and drug addiction as well and most importantly, that drug and alcohol addiction is not a human weakness but a disease. 

Co-dependents are given specific functions at MCN.  They are allowed to provide basic care to the patient and act as a doctor’s assistant.  MCN’s medical staff also provides assistance to patients when their co-dependents are not allowed to be present. However, evidence indicates patients that are treated together with their co-dependents recover faster and are less subject to relapse.

After the treatment program of the co-dependents concludes, they remain as guides and representatives at MCN.  Upon their return home, they keep in touch with our doctors that provide assistance with the period of adaption and rehabilitation of former patients in their new social conditions and new life free of drugs.

Since the inaugural of the co-dependent program, it has improved year after year.  Recently, approval has been granted for co-dependents to participate in the MINDCRAFTING program. Seven psychotherapeutic techniques combined with the healing elements of Lake Issyk-Kul enhance the co-dependent’s personal capabilities to achieve an emotional balance. Dr. Nazaraliev’s innovative treatment method broadens the co-dependent’s state of mind, thus leading to spiritual and emotional improvement.