The moment you take back control.

Frequently asked questions

• How do I know if my alcohol or drug use is becoming a problem?

  You do not need to identify as addicted to notice that something is changing. One important sign is repeatedly acting differently from what you intended: wanting to drink or use less, deciding to stop, but finding yourself back in the same pattern. Craving, guilt, secrecy or feeling that your substance use is taking up more space in your life can also be signs that it is becoming more problematic.

• Do I need to be addicted to start with KAIRO?

  No. KAIRO is specifically intended for people who notice that alcohol, drugs or recurring behaviours are having more influence on their lives than they want, without necessarily identifying as addicted. You do not need a label to take a serious look at your behaviour.

• Why is it so difficult to drink less or reduce my drug use?

  Behaviour is not driven by willpower alone. Vulnerability, habits, triggers such as stress, reward and craving can cause you to automatically return to alcohol, drugs or other behaviours, even when you consciously want something different. Understanding how this pattern works for you is often an important first step towards change.

• What is craving and why can it feel so strong?

  Craving is a strong urge to use a substance or engage in a certain behaviour. It can be triggered by stress, emotions, situations, thoughts or learned habits. At KAIRO, you learn to recognise how craving develops for you and what you can do before automatic behaviour takes over.

• Why do I keep returning to the same behaviour even though I want to change?

  Wanting to change does not automatically make an established pattern disappear. Repeated behaviour can become increasingly automatic, especially when alcohol, drugs or other behaviours have become linked to relaxation, reward or coping with stress. That is why we look not only at the behaviour itself, but also at what keeps it going.

• Can I get support if I want to reduce my alcohol use without quitting completely?

  Yes. At KAIRO, complete abstinence does not have to be your goal from the start. We explore what is happening, what you want to change and which goal fits your situation. For some people that means stopping completely; for others it means reducing use or learning to set clearer boundaries.

• Can KAIRO help me if I want to stop using drugs?

  Yes, if you notice that drug use is gaining more control over your life than you want and you are ready to work on change. We look at factors such as triggers, craving, habit formation and the role your drug use has come to play. If there are medical risks, severe dependence, or a need for detoxification or specialist treatment, we will advise you to seek appropriate professional care.

• What types of substance use or behaviour does KAIRO work with?

  KAIRO works with alcohol, drugs and nicotine, as well as recurring behavioural patterns where craving or loss of control plays a role. This can include behaviours such as gaming, pornography use or doomscrolling.

• Is KAIRO addiction treatment or therapy?

  No. KAIRO does not provide medical, psychological or psychiatric treatment and does not diagnose mental health conditions. We provide professional guidance, psycho-education and support focused on behavioural change.

• When is KAIRO not appropriate?

  KAIRO is not appropriate when there are acute psychological or physical risks, medical detoxification is required or intensive specialist treatment appears necessary. In those situations, we can discuss what type of professional care would be more appropriate.

• Can I receive online support for alcohol or drug use?

  Yes. KAIRO works entirely online. Sessions take place face-to-face through video calls and are combined with psycho-education, reflection and practical exercises. This allows you to work on change from your own environment, without travel time or a waiting room.

• What is the difference between KAIRO Core and KAIRO Intensive?

  KAIRO Core lasts twelve weeks and includes ten online sessions. KAIRO Intensive lasts sixteen weeks and includes twelve sessions, with more space for deeper exploration, personalisation and integrating change in a sustainable way.

• Can I first have an introductory conversation without committing to a programme?

  Yes. During a free orientation call, we briefly get to know each other, you can ask questions and we explore whether KAIRO and one of the programmes fit what you are looking for.

• What is an exploratory session?

  An exploratory session is intended for when you want to take a closer look at what is going on, without immediately starting a programme. We look not only at the behaviour you are struggling with, but also at you as a person: who you are, what matters to you, what you may be particularly sensitive to and which patterns may play a role.

  Together, we explore where you may want to make changes and how KAIRO’s approach to guidance could support you. The session lasts approximately one hour and can be valuable in itself. Afterwards, you decide whether you want to take things further.