Abstract:
The objective of this study was to assess the impact of a 12-month course of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
on individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder, drug addiction, gambling disorder, and codependency, with
a focus on improving quality of life and reducing symptom severity. A quantitative design was employed,
involving both control and experimental groups, each initially comprising 100 participants. By the end of the
study, the final sample sizes in the experimental groups were 72 (alcohol use disorder), 70 (drug addiction), 74
(gambling disorder), and 73 (codependent behavior) individuals. An equal number of participants in the cor
responding control groups were reassessed. Quality of life was measured using the World Health Organization
Quality of Life BREF instrument, which measures physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and
environmental conditions. The results indicated a significant improvement in quality-of-life scores in the
experimental groups compared to the control groups. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test confirmed statistically
significant improvements (p < 0.001) across all addiction categories, while the Mann-Whitney U test demon
strated substantial post-intervention differences between control and experimental groups (p < 0.001). Partici
pants in the experimental group showed marked reductions in addiction severity, as indicated by AUDIT, DAST,
G-SAS, and Spann-Fisher Codependency Scale assessments. Effect sizes (Cohen's d) ranged from 2.83 to 3.47,
confirming the strong impact of psychotherapy. These findings underscore the effectiveness of CBT in reducing
addiction severity and enhancing quality of life, supporting its broader integration into addiction treatment
programs. The study provides valuable evidence for addiction rehabilitation efforts in Kazakhstan. From a
practical perspective, these findings highlight the importance of structured psychotherapeutic interventions in
addressing addiction-related issues. The study underscores the need to expand access to CBT in rehabilitation
centers, particularly in regions with high addiction rates. Future policy initiatives should prioritize the devel
opment of therapist training programs and the implementation of evidence-based treatment methods. Moreover,
the results emphasize the necessity for continuous post-treatment support to maintain long-term recovery and
prevent relapse. By incorporating CBT into standardized rehabilitation protocols, policymakers and healthcare
providers can enhance the overall effectiveness of addiction treatment services.
