Coping behavior is an important aspect in the fight against addiction, especially alcohol. Alcoholism is a chronic, relapsing condition that can affect a person's physical, mental and social well-being. In Russia, alcohol use is a serious public health problem, and the rate of alcohol-related mortality is one of the highest in the world. Therefore, understanding patterns of coping behavior among people with alcohol dependence is critical to developing effective interventions and improving outcomes for these individuals. Coping behaviors are the strategies and actions that people use to cope with the stress and negative emotions associated with addiction. Coping strategies can be adaptive or maladaptive, depending on their effectiveness in reducing negative consequences. For people with alcohol dependence, maladaptive coping behaviors such as denial, avoidance, and substance abuse can worsen the condition and lead to bad consequences, such as increased alcohol consumption and increased relapse rates. Research has shown that people with alcohol dependence are more likely to use avoidant behaviors. coping strategies than adaptive ones. Avoidance behaviors such as social withdrawal, emotional suppression, and substance use may provide temporary stress relief but are often ineffective in the long term. People who engage in avoidant behaviors may experience increased negative emotions and have difficulty managing stress, leading to an increased risk of relapse. On the other hand, adaptive coping behaviors such as social support seeking, problem solving, and positive reappraisal are associated with better outcomes in people with alcohol dependence. For example, seeking social support has been shown to reduce negative emotions, improve mood, and increase self-esteem in people with alcohol dependence. Positive reappraisal, on the other hand, involves reframing negative situations into positive ones, which can help people better cope with stress and negative emotions. In Russia, where alcohol use is widespread, cultural factors may influence the coping behavior of people with alcohol dependence. Social support from family and friends can be very important in helping people cope with stress and maintain abstinence. However, the social stigma surrounding addiction can lead to social isolation and discourage help-seeking, which can contribute to avoidance behavior. Additionally, the availability and accessibility of treatment options for alcohol addiction in Russia may also influence coping behavior. People who have access to evidence-based treatments, such as psychotherapy and medication, may be more likely to use adaptive coping behaviors and have better outcomes. In contrast, people who do not have access to treatment options may be prone to avoidant behavior and negative consequences. In conclusion, coping behavior is an important aspect of managing alcohol dependence. Individuals with alcohol dependence in Russia may be more prone to avoidant behavior, which can aggravate the condition and lead to negative consequences. Understanding the cultural and societal factors that influence coping behavior can help develop effective interventions to improve outcomes for people with alcohol dependence. In addition, improving access to evidence-based treatments may also contribute to the development of adaptive coping behavior and improved outcomes for people with alcohol dependence in Russia. Sincerely, Your psychologist, consultant, cognitive behavioral therapist, Yulia Churina