Dr. Gabriel Rubio is president of the Spanish Society of Clinical Psychiatry. Professor of Psychiatry, at the Complutense University, Madrid. Head of Service. Area of Clinical Management in Psychiatry and Mental Health at the 12 de Octubre University Hospital, Madrid.

In his speech he explained the results obtained in his latest research, also highlighting the learning he has obtained through his clinical experience. Together with his team they have studied the recovery processes that occur in patients with alcohol dependency. They have been interested in the processes involved in recovery and how it is developed to try to enhance them.

They have observed that the process is a sequence that begins with the recovery of behaviour, followed by emotional recovery, and ends with the recovery of values. It is a process that takes several years and goes far beyond the simple act of stopping drinking alcohol.

He pointed out that it is necessary to modify the habits that the subject has, it is necessary to extend the range of behaviours that help to maintain abstinence. After that, aspects such as impulsivity, anxiety or depression can begin to be worked on. These are emotional aspects that must be resolved once the behaviour has been recovered. Finally, a recovery of the values that govern the subject's life must be initiated. This recovery involves spiritual aspects, beliefs, and questions about why one does what one does. Or how to live after quitting drinking. It is necessary to consider that the relationship with alcohol discovers another reality in which life is more complicated than previously thought, it is necessary to accept another part of their alcoholism that was denied and it is necessary to handle the shame. It is necessary to include acceptance and commitment psychotherapy and strategies in new values therapy. This produces a transformation in which the individual sees that he or she becomes a better person, is someone he or she was not before.

This is a long-term process in which non-profit organisations are important. He encouraged all students to approach them to learn and work in this area of treatment, as they are a learning and treatment tool to be considered.