Charas (cannabis) addiction treatment in Islamabad

Charas is the most commonly used drug in Pakistan, and many families do not see it as a real drug. It is easy to find, cheap, and often shared openly among friends.

For some people, daily charas use leads to low motivation, anxiety, poor sleep, and in a smaller group, frightening psychotic symptoms. Health Plus treats cannabis dependence together with any mental health problems that come with it.

When charas stops being 'just charas'

Parents often tell us the problem started in school or college and was ignored for years. By the time they call, their son is smoking from morning to night, has dropped out of studies, and gets angry when he cannot smoke.

Heavy use in young people is linked to anxiety, depression and psychosis, especially when there is a family history of mental illness. If someone has started saying strange things or hearing voices, a psychiatrist should see them.

Signs to watch for at home

Noticing several of these over weeks, not days, is a reason to get advice.

• Smoking every day, often from the morning
• Loss of interest in studies, work or family
• Red eyes, poor memory and low energy
• Irritability or anxiety when he cannot smoke
• Spending most of his money on charas
• Suspicion, strange beliefs or hearing voices
• Sleeping late and staying up all night

How cannabis treatment works at Health Plus

Stopping charas is not usually dangerous to the body. People often feel irritable, anxious and unable to sleep for a few weeks, and cravings can be strong.

Our psychiatrist checks for anxiety, depression and psychosis on admission and treats them where needed. Sleep is restored with a fixed routine, daily exercise and, if necessary, short-term medicine.

Therapy focuses on motivation, boredom, friendships built around smoking and what to do instead. Many young people also need practical help to return to studies or work, which we plan with the family before discharge.

Charas, studies and getting back on track

Many of the young men we see with charas use have dropped out of college, failed exams or lost a first job. Parents are often as worried about the future as about the drug.

Daily charas use affects memory, concentration and motivation. These usually improve over weeks to months after stopping, especially with regular sleep, exercise and a daily routine. Our structured day helps rebuild those habits.

Before discharge, we sit down with the patient and family to plan the return to studies or work: a realistic timetable, which friends to avoid, and what to do on difficult evenings. Some young people do better by moving to a new course or campus.

Continuing with our day program or outpatient sessions after discharge gives extra support while the person settles back into normal life.

How long treatment takes

Not everyone needs residential care for charas. After assessment we may recommend a residential stay, the day program or outpatient sessions. When psychosis or heavy daily use is involved, residential care is usually safer.

What families can do

• Take it seriously, even if others say 'it's only charas'.
• Talk when he is not intoxicated. Describe what you have seen, without labels.
• Watch for strange beliefs, voices or extreme suspicion. These need a psychiatrist soon.
• Agree as a family on money and house rules.
• Ask us about our day program if residential care is not needed.

Who will care for your loved one

Next steps

• Day Program4–6 hours of therapy and activities a day, going home in the evening.
• Residential Program (3–6 months)A live-in program combining medical, psychological and recovery care.
• Rehab fees and roomsFrom PKR 120,000 a month
• How admission worksNine steps, from first call to discharge