Heroin and opioid addiction treatment in Islamabad

Heroin has been part of Pakistan's drug problem for decades. Families often reach us after years of watching a son or brother try to stop at home, get through a few painful days, and start again.

At Health Plus, opioid withdrawal is managed by our psychiatrists and nurses so the person is not left to suffer through it. Once withdrawal is under control, the residential program works on staying off heroin for good.

Why stopping heroin at home so often fails

Heroin withdrawal feels like a very bad flu: aching bones, sweating, diarrhoea, no sleep and a strong craving. Most people who try to stop at home use again within days just to make the pain go away.

Families searching for 'heroin ka nasha kaise chhurayein' often find tablets or injections promised as a quick cure. There is no quick cure. Safe withdrawal needs proper medical care, and staying off heroin needs months of support.

Signs to watch for at home

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

• Pinpoint pupils, drowsiness or nodding off
• Flu-like symptoms when not using
• Burnt foil, spoons, syringes or lighters
• Long sleeves in hot weather
• Pulling away from family and old friends
• Borrowing or stealing money
• Neglect of appearance and hygiene

How opioid withdrawal is handled at Health Plus

A doctor assesses the person on admission: which opioids, how much, how long, and any injecting, infections or other health problems.

Withdrawal symptoms usually peak in the first few days. Our psychiatrist prescribes medicine to reduce pain, sleeplessness, diarrhoea and anxiety, and nurses monitor the patient around the clock. Doses are reduced carefully as symptoms settle.

After detox, the person joins group therapy, individual sessions and the 12-Step program. Because tolerance drops after detox, using again at the old amount can cause a fatal overdose. Relapse prevention is therefore part of every plan, and families are taught the warning signs.

Overdose risk after detox

This is one of the most important things families need to know. After a person stops heroin for a few weeks, their body loses its tolerance. If they relapse and use the amount they used to, it can stop their breathing.

Many fatal overdoses happen in the first weeks after leaving rehab or jail, for exactly this reason. It is also more dangerous when heroin is mixed with sleeping pills, pregabalin or alcohol.

Signs of an opioid overdose include very small pupils, slow or noisy breathing, blue lips or fingertips, and not waking when you shout or shake them. Call 1122 straight away, keep the person on their side, and stay with them.

This is why discharge from Health Plus always includes a relapse-prevention plan and family education, and why we encourage follow-up in the first months at home.

How long treatment takes

Acute withdrawal usually settles over one to two weeks. Most patients then stay for 3 to 6 months in total. Discharge is planned with the family, including follow-up appointments.

What families can do

• Do not buy withdrawal tablets or injections promising a cure.
• Do not give money that could fund heroin.
• Learn the signs of overdose: very slow breathing, blue lips, not waking up. Call 1122 immediately.
• After discharge, tolerance is low. A relapse at the old dose is dangerous.
• Join family sessions to prepare for his return home.

Who will care for your loved one

Next steps

• Supervised DetoxSafe, monitored withdrawal as the first part of treatment.
• Aftercare & Relapse PreventionPlanning for life after discharge, so progress lasts.
• Rehab fees and roomsFrom PKR 120,000 a month
• How admission worksNine steps, from first call to discharge