Dr. Hafiz Sultan Muhammad
Consultant Psychiatrist
ICE addiction treatment in Islamabad
Medically reviewed by Dr. Hafiz Sultan Muhammad, MBBS, FCPS (Psychiatry) · Last reviewed October 2026
Treatment for crystal meth use, including the paranoia and sleep loss it causes.
ICE, or crystal methamphetamine, has become one of the biggest worries for parents in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and KPK. It is usually smoked from a small glass pipe. It keeps people awake for days, and dependence can build within months.
At Health Plus our psychiatrists treat the paranoia, aggression and sleep loss that ICE causes, while the residential program rebuilds routine, appetite and self-control. Parents often come to us after weeks of not knowing what has happened to their son.
How ICE use shows up in young people in Islamabad and KPK
Most of the young people we see started using ICE at university, in a hostel, or to stay awake for exams or long work shifts. Some were told it was a harmless study aid. Others moved to it from charas.
Families usually describe the same pattern. Their son stops sleeping, loses weight fast, becomes suspicious of everyone at home and starts asking for money more often. When parents search for 'ice nasha ka ilaj', they are usually already frightened by the anger or the strange talk.
Signs to watch for at home
Noticing several of these over weeks, not days, is a reason to get advice.
- Staying awake for one or two days, then sleeping for very long periods
- Fast weight loss and skipping meals
- Suspicion of family members, or saying people are following him
- Hearing or seeing things that are not there
- Sudden anger, breaking things, or threats
- Small glass pipes, burnt foil or lighters in his room
- Money, phones or jewellery going missing at home
How ICE treatment works at Health Plus
ICE withdrawal is not usually dangerous to the body in the way alcohol withdrawal can be. The hard part is the crash afterwards: exhaustion, low mood, strong cravings and, in some people, continued paranoia or hallucinations.
Our psychiatrist assesses for psychosis, mood problems and sleep on the first day. Where needed, medicine is used to calm agitation, treat psychotic symptoms and restore sleep. The person stays in a calm, supervised setting with staff present around the clock.
Once sleep and appetite settle, therapy begins in earnest. Sessions focus on triggers, cravings, friendships that revolve around ICE, and what to do in the first weeks at home. Daily exercise, regular meals and a fixed routine are a big part of recovery from stimulants.
What to do if he is paranoid or aggressive at home
Paranoia from ICE can be frightening for the whole family. He may believe people are watching him, that the phone is tapped, or that relatives are plotting against him. Arguing with these beliefs usually makes things worse.
Stay calm and speak slowly. Keep your distance if he is agitated, and do not block his way out of a room. Remove knives and other dangerous objects from easy reach if you can do so safely. Keep younger children and elderly relatives in another room.
If he threatens anyone, has a weapon or talks about harming himself, call 1122 or the police. Your safety comes first. Once things are calm, call our admissions team. We will talk you through how a psychiatric assessment can be arranged.
After a few days without ICE and with proper sleep, paranoia often settles. If it does not, or if it comes back without drug use, he may have an underlying psychotic illness that needs longer treatment. Our psychiatrists assess this carefully before discharge.
How long treatment takes
Most ICE patients stay 3 to 6 months. Psychotic symptoms may settle in weeks, but cravings and the old social circle are the main risk later, so we plan discharge and follow-up carefully.
What families can do
- Talk to him when he is calm and sober, not during or right after use.
- Do not argue with paranoid ideas. Stay calm and keep everyone safe.
- Lock away cash, cards and valuables for now.
- If he threatens anyone or talks about harming himself, call 1122 or take him to the nearest emergency department.
- Call our admissions team for advice on arranging assessment when he refuses help.
Who will care for your loved one
Next steps
ICE (crystal meth): questions families ask
Still unsure? Call or WhatsApp us. A first conversation is free and confidential.
Can ICE cause mental illness?
ICE can cause psychotic symptoms such as paranoia and hallucinations. In many people these settle with abstinence and treatment, but some need ongoing psychiatric care. Our psychiatrists assess this carefully.
My son becomes aggressive. Can you admit him?
Yes. Talk to our admissions team first. We will explain how admission is arranged safely and what information we need from you.
Is there a medicine for ICE addiction?
There is no single medicine that removes ICE addiction. Medicine can help with sleep, agitation, mood and psychotic symptoms while therapy does the long-term work.
He says he only uses it to study. Is that still a problem?
Yes. Dependence can develop even when use started for studying or work. If sleep, mood or behaviour has changed, it is worth an assessment.
How quickly does paranoia go away?
In many people, paranoia from ICE settles within days to a few weeks of stopping and sleeping properly. If it lasts longer, our psychiatrist will assess for an underlying condition.
Related conditions
Call us. The first conversation is free and confidential.
Our admissions team answers 24 hours a day. Tell us what is happening and we will give you honest advice on what would help, with no pressure to admit.