Cocaine addiction treatment in Islamabad

Cocaine is expensive in Pakistan, so the people who use it are often working professionals or students from well-off families. That also means it is often hidden well, and families find out late, usually through money.

Health Plus offers private, confidential treatment for cocaine use in Bani Gala. Our psychiatrists treat the low mood and sleep problems after stopping, and therapy works on cravings and the social life that keeps use going.

Cocaine, parties and money: what families usually notice

Use often starts at parties or with a particular group of friends, then becomes something the person needs to feel confident or to keep going. Because the high is short, people use again and again in one night.

Families usually notice large, unexplained spending, late nights, a runny nose or nosebleeds, and a person who is either very energetic or very flat.

Many of our cocaine patients are worried about their career or family name. Admission can be arranged discreetly, and only the people the patient or family authorises are told anything about treatment.

Signs to watch for at home

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

• Bursts of energy, fast talking and over-confidence
• Frequent nosebleeds or a constant runny nose
• Low mood, tiredness and irritability after weekends
• Large, unexplained spending or new debts
• Late nights and a new social circle
• Chest discomfort, anxiety or poor sleep

How cocaine treatment works at Health Plus

Cocaine withdrawal is not usually dangerous to the body, but the crash after stopping can be severe: exhaustion, low mood, anxiety and strong cravings.

Our psychiatrist assesses mood, sleep and heart health on admission and treats low mood or anxiety where needed. Some patients also use alcohol or sleeping pills to come down, and these are managed safely at the same time.

Therapy focuses on triggers, cravings, money and the friendships that revolve around use. We plan practical steps for returning to work, including how to handle invitations and old contacts.

Cocaine and the heart

Cocaine raises heart rate and blood pressure and narrows blood vessels. Even in young, fit people it can cause chest pain, an irregular heartbeat and, in rare cases, a heart attack or stroke.

The risk is higher when cocaine is mixed with alcohol, which is common at parties. The combination puts extra strain on the heart.

If someone has chest pain, severe headache, weakness on one side of the body or a seizure after using cocaine, call 1122 and go to a hospital emergency department immediately. Do not wait to see if it passes.

On admission to Health Plus, our doctor checks pulse, blood pressure and any history of chest pain, and arranges an ECG or other tests where needed. Lab tests are billed separately.

How long treatment takes

Many cocaine patients do well with a residential stay of around 3 months, followed by outpatient follow-up. The plan is set after assessment and reviewed with the family.

Our team will also talk honestly about money, debts and work, because these are often what make it hard to stay off cocaine.

What families can do

• Do not pay off drug debts without a plan.
• Keep a record of spending and behaviour you are worried about.
• Speak to him privately and calmly, not in front of others.
• Expect denial at first. Keep the door open.
• Ask us about confidential admission if his job or reputation is a worry.

Who will care for your loved one

Next steps

• Residential Program (3–6 months)A live-in program combining medical, psychological and recovery care.
• Outpatient (OPD)Consultations and counselling without staying at the clinic.
• Rehab fees and roomsFrom PKR 120,000 a month
• How admission worksNine steps, from first call to discharge