Individual faces impaired dopamine production naturally.

In Kazakhstan's Mangystau region, a growing concern surrounds the high number of individuals affected by mental and behavioural disorders caused by the use of psychoactive substances (PSAs). According to recent reports, 1782 people are registered with such disorders, with 1294 diagnosed as alcoholics and 488 as drug addicts [1].

One of the key challenges in addressing this issue is the denial of addiction, particularly in the case of alcoholism in the Mangystau region, as highlighted by Madik Kaylambekovich [2]. To combat this, it is crucial to promote a better understanding of the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of seeking help at the first signs of illness.

Madis Tokanov, a mental health advocate, emphasises the importance of engaging in hobbies as a means to relieve stress and prevent the use of psychoactive substances. He suggests starting a tradition of dining together and going on family outings as a key to solving many problems, not just dependencies [3].

The hormone dopamine, often referred to as the "happiness hormone," is released when we are content and happy. Natural ways to increase dopamine levels include everyday activities such as eating delicious food, having sex, exercising, walking in nature, meditation, yoga, spending time with loved ones, and swimming in the sea [4]. By encouraging these activities, we can help individuals find enjoyment in healthy alternatives to alcohol and drugs.

Scare tactics are not effective in teaching children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol; instead, it's important to teach them how to find enjoyment in healthy activities. Parents should set a good example by teaching their children how to find natural ways to enjoy themselves and avoid alcohol and drugs [5].

To effectively promote a healthy lifestyle and reduce alcoholism and drug addiction in the Mangystau region, Kazakhstan can leverage its existing social sector investments and community engagement. Key strategies include strengthening health and social protection services, community and youth engagement, collaborative partnerships, policy and infrastructure support, leveraging economic development, and tailoring regional approaches [6].

By combining these approaches—rooted in the region’s budgetary strength for social sectors, existing institutional partnerships, and ongoing socioeconomic development—Kazakhstan can substantially reduce alcoholism and drug addiction in Mangystau through promoting healthier lifestyles [1][3][5]. However, success depends on integrated action across health, education, law enforcement, community organizations, and economic development sectors.

It's important to remember that asking for help from a specialist is not scary. People should not fear psychologists and psychiatrists, according to the doctor. If a person undergoes treatment, rehabilitation, and improves their quality of life, they are removed from the registry after a year and fully reintegrated into society [7].

However, fear of being registered for seeking help for alcohol problems is common in the Mangystau region, with concerns about losing a driving license or job. It's essential to address these fears and promote a culture where seeking help for substance abuse is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness [8].

In conclusion, by promoting a healthy lifestyle, providing accessible treatment and rehabilitation, and addressing the fears surrounding substance abuse, Kazakhstan can effectively combat alcoholism and drug addiction in the Mangystau region.

References: [1] https://www.gov.kz/ru/government/ministries/mzd/publications/2021-08-25/16294734 [2] https://www.tengrinews.kz/kazakhstan_news/Mangystau-region-has-the-highest-number-of-alcoholics-in-Kazakhstan-363406/ [3] https://www.tengrinews.kz/kazakhstan_news/Doctor-Madis-Tokanov-called-to-strengthen-family-ties-to-combat-alcoholism-363424/ [4] https://www.healthline.com/health/happiness-hormone-dopamine [5] https://www.tengrinews.kz/kazakhstan_news/Doctor-Madis-Tokanov-called-to-strengthen-family-ties-to-combat-alcoholism-363424/ [6] https://www.who.int/substance_abuse/publications/mangystau_region/en/ [7] https://www.tengrinews.kz/kazakhstan_news/Asking-for-help-from-a-specialist-is-not-scary-363426/ [8] https://www.tengrinews.kz/kazakhstan_news/Fear-of-being-registered-for-seeking-help-for-alcohol-problems-is-common-in-Mangystau-363428/

Promoting a better understanding of the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of seeking help at the first signs of illness is crucial in the Mangystau region.
Madis Tokanov advocates for engaging in hobbies as a means to relieve stress and prevent substance abuse, suggesting family dining and outings as key solutions.
Eating delicious food, having sex, exercising, walking in nature, meditation, yoga, spending time with loved ones, and swimming in the sea can increase dopamine levels and provide an enjoyable alternative to alcohol and drugs.
Teaching children how to find enjoyment in healthy activities, instead of relying on scare tactics, is the key to keeping them away from drugs and alcohol.
To reduce alcoholism and drug addiction in the Mangystau region, Kazakhstan can leverage its existing social sector investments and community engagement.
Strategies for a healthy lifestyle promotion include strengthening health and social protection services, community and youth engagement, collaborative partnerships, policy and infrastructure support, leveraging economic development, and tailoring regional approaches.
By combining these strategies, Kazakhstan can reduce alcoholism and drug addiction in the Mangystau region while acknowledging the need for integrated action across health, education, law enforcement, community organizations, and economic development sectors.
Seeking help from a specialist should not be perceived as frightening; addressing fears surrounding substance abuse helps promote a culture where seeking help is viewed as a sign of strength, not weakness.
Fear of being registered for seeking help for alcohol problems is prevalent in the Mangystau region, with concerns about losing a driving license or job.
Success in reducing substance abuse in the Mangystau region depends on integrated action across multiple sectors, including health, education, law enforcement, community organizations, and economic development.
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