Drug addiction help in Pakistan: where to go, who to call, what to do.

Pakistan has an estimated 9 million people with substance use disorders — one of the highest rates in Asia. The most commonly used substances are heroin, hashish (chars/charas), crystal methamphetamine (ice), and pharmaceutical opioids. Treatment is available, effective, and more accessible than most people know.

If you are struggling with addiction

Addiction is a medical condition — not a moral failure, not a character flaw, not a punishment. The part of the brain that controls impulse and decision-making is physically altered by prolonged substance use. This is biology, not weakness. And like any medical condition, it responds to treatment.

Free and low-cost treatment options in Pakistan

Government treatment centres

• Drug Abuse Treatment Centres (DATCs) operated by Ministry of Narcotics Control in all major cities — free treatment
• Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad — psychiatry and addiction services
• Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi — addiction medicine unit
• Services Hospital Lahore — psychiatry and addiction services

Private rehab centres

• Willing Ways: Karachi (021-34301957), Lahore, Islamabad — one of Pakistan's largest private rehab networks
• Fountain House Lahore: mental health and substance use treatment
• Shifa International Hospital Islamabad: psychiatry and addiction
• Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi: addiction medicine

How to help someone you love

• Don't enable — giving money that goes to drugs, covering for consequences — these delay treatment, not help
• Don't shame — shame increases use, not decreases it. Shame is the primary barrier to seeking help.
• Express concern without ultimatums you won't keep
• Learn about addiction — understanding the biology removes the moral judgment that poisons every attempt to help
• Get support for yourself — families of addicts need support too. Rozan counselling (051-2890505) provides family support.

Common substances in Pakistan and their specific risks

Heroin

Pakistan is on the primary trafficking route from Afghanistan — heroin is the most common hard drug. Overdose risk is high, especially with inconsistent purity. Needle sharing spreads HIV and hepatitis C. Treatment: methadone and buprenorphine maintenance therapy, available at DATCs.

Crystal meth (ice)

Growing rapidly in urban Pakistan — Karachi especially. Highly addictive, severe mental health consequences including psychosis. Treatment: no medication-assisted treatment; behavioural therapy is primary.

Hashish (chars/charas)

Pakistan's most widely used substance. Heavy long-term use associated with anxiety, depression, and psychosis risk in vulnerable individuals. Generally lower physical dependency than other substances but psychological dependency is real.

Pharmaceutical opioids

Tramadol, codeine, and other opioids available over-the-counter in many areas. Dependency develops faster than most users expect. Available treatment: same as heroin — opioid maintenance therapy.