Kazakhstan has marked the 90th anniversary of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the world’s most widespread peer-support program for alcohol addiction, founded in the U.S. in 1935.
Anniversary in Almaty
AA has been active in Kazakhstan since 2012, bringing together hundreds of people who have chosen a life free from alcohol. A recent anniversary event in Almaty gathered members of the community, their families and newcomers just beginning their recovery journey.
Ironically, but symbolically, the event took place in a former bar. A space once associated with drinking has now become a haven of sobriety and support.
The gathering followed an open-meeting format, welcoming anyone who wanted to hear the stories of Kazakhstanis who have struggled with alcohol addiction. Members of AA shared personal experiences: how addiction often begins unnoticed, how control slips away and how relationships, families and health can fall apart. They also spoke of the path to recovery grounded in honesty, community and sobriety.
The goal of the event wasn’t just to mark an anniversary but to show that help is available — and closer than many realize. One of the most emotional moments of the evening came during speeches delivered anonymously, without names or identifying details.
Several members of the group spoke to Kursiv.media, including about the persistent stigma surrounding alcoholism in Kazakhstan.
«There’s still this stereotype that an alcoholic is someone lying in the street, completely broken. But that’s not true,» one member said. «I didn’t even notice how I became an alcoholic. You wouldn’t guess by looking at me. It is a disease, and unfortunately, its outcome is often inevitable. You never know which binge might be your last.»
Others shared the internal struggles of the recovery process.
«One of the hardest parts is the internal resistance to change. The program requires action. We go through 12 steps, and it’s not easy. Some people relapse. Some come back. Some don’t. Sadly, sometimes it’s permanent.»
Despite the seriousness of the subject matter, the atmosphere was warm and joyful. Attendees laughed, hugged, danced, played music and shared memories and ideas.
Addiction in Kazakhstan
One of the event’s co-organizers acknowledged that addiction remains a widespread issue in Kazakhstan. While the exact statistics may vary, she said the overall picture is clear: the need for awareness and support is more urgent than ever.
«In some cities, people drink simply because they have nothing to live for: towns are in decline, unemployment and a sense of hopelessness are widespread. In places like Zhezkazgan and Taldykorgan, alcohol consumption is notably higher. People drink out of despair. Nationwide, about 10% of the population suffers from alcoholism, a figure that has remained steady,» she noted.
Still, change is happening. Society is gradually beginning to recognize addiction not as a moral failing, but as a disease. This shift is backed by growing collaboration between the community and both public and private institutions.
«We have committees that work with government agencies, hospitals, the clergy — everyone,» one organizer said. «And over the 12 years of the movement’s presence in Kazakhstan, we’ve seen attitudes evolve. People are more informed, and that means they’re more tolerant. We’re being heard more and trusted more.»
AA’s 90th-anniversary celebration marked not only a milestone in its history but also a reminder of the importance of open, informed dialogue around addiction. The event underscored that recovery is possible, with support, acceptance and a society that understands.
Worldwide, 2.6 million deaths were attributed to alcohol consumption in 2019, including 2 million among men and 600,000 among women, according to the World Health Organization. Young adults aged 20 to 39 were disproportionately affected, accounting for the highest share (13%) of alcohol-attributable deaths. In the same period, an estimated 400 million people aged 15 and older were living with alcohol use disorders globally, including about 209 million with alcohol dependence.
Notably, more than 1,300 people die each year in Kazakhstan due to alcohol-related causes. According to the WHO, adults in the country consume an average of 5 liters of pure alcohol per year, a figure that does not account for unrecorded or illicit consumption. Despite existing restrictions and excise taxes, addiction and related issues continue to rise.
Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in 1935 in Akron, Ohio, by Bill Wilson and Dr. Robert Smith. The two men discovered that they could more effectively manage their alcohol addiction by supporting each other, laying the foundation for what would become a global sobriety movement.
