Treatment length varies. Detox can take days to a week or more, depending on the drug. After that, intensive therapy programs may last 1-3 months, followed by long-term outpatient care. Many people stay in some form of treatment for a year or more. Dr. Aftab emphasizes that recovery is a process, not an overnight fix.

Yes. Addiction is chronic, like diabetes. About half of people relapse at some point. The key is not to get discouraged relapse means you need to recommit to the plan or try something new. In fact, relapse is why we plan for long-term follow-up (see [56†L343-L352]).

Yes. There are local chapters of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous in major cities, including Lahore and Karachi. Dr. Aftab can connect you with these groups. They offer free support 12-step meetings, often with Urdu-speaking members, which can greatly help recovery.

For opioid addiction, medications like methadone and buprenorphine are very effective in preventing withdrawal and reducing cravings. Studies show they significantly increase the chances of staying clean. These are provided under strict supervision to prevent abuse. Dr. Aftab prescribes and monitors them carefully, often as part of an overall plan.

Yes, we offer online sessions for counseling and follow-up medication management. For medical detox and initial diagnosis, an in-person visit is preferable. But for ongoing therapy and support, telepsychiatry works well and has helped many Pakistani patients get care they otherwise would skip.