Cultural aspects of motivational psychotherapy for patients with alcohol dependence: problem statement

Relevance. Cultural influences are not only an important factor in the genesis of mental disorders, but also significant in the development of any psychotherapeutic models and technologies. However, the dependence of the latter on cultural influences is poorly taken into account during their implementation and dissemination. The request from routine narcological practice and somatic medicine for motivational psychotherapy targeting patients who use psychoactive substances (PAS) determines the practical significance of the problem. The aim of the authors of the article was to substantiate the need to modify motivational psychotherapy proposed for patients with alcohol dependence, taking into account cultural influences that are significant when it is carried out in modern Russia. Hypothesis. It was assumed that through a structured survey of expert narcologists, it would be possible to identify aspects of the stated problem that are significant for further study and practical use: the presence of cultural influences that are observed during motivational psychotherapy for a patient with alcohol dependence syndrome. The material for the pilot study was data from a survey of 20 Russian expert narcologists, conducted using authors’ questionnaires described in the text of the article. Results. A survey of addiction experts identified anti-therapeutic attitudes and beliefs frequently observed in patients with alcohol dependence. These beliefs reflect the patient's view of alcohol usage as a primary form of recreation, a means of relaxation and pastime, and the conviction that external circumstances are the cause of alcoholism. A lack of understanding of chemical dependence as a serious disorder was identified, along with a negative attitude toward addiction treatment and addiction specialists. A belief that others will not accept the patient if they choose a sober lifestyle is present. These attitudes hinder motivation and subsequent treatment. Conclusions. The research perspective is to study the cultural aspects of the use of motivational psychotherapy for people with substances dependence in modern Russia for the subsequent improvement of its technologies.

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