Addiction is a profound issue affecting millions worldwide, and Pakistan is no exception. With its geographical challenges and socio-cultural dynamics, addressing substance use disorders and supporting families in recovery is a monumental task. Asia Ashraf, a dedicated professional with 18 years of experience in substance abuse treatment, recovery, rehabilitation, and prevention, sheds light on the unique challenges and innovative approaches in Pakistan.
The State of Addiction in Pakistan
Asia Ashraf currently serves as a direct rehabilitation and consultant psychologist at Greenfield Hospital of Psychiatry. Her expertise extends to training professionals globally through organizations like UNODC and the Colombo Plan. She highlights the severe impact of addiction in Pakistan, exacerbated by its proximity to Afghanistan and the region's role as a transit corridor for drugs.
"Substance misuse is a huge pandemic in my country, and it is not a top priority of the government due to political issues," says Ashraf.
The burden of tackling addiction largely falls on private organizations and international initiatives. Addiction is still viewed as a moral failing in many parts of Pakistan, adding to the stigma and making it harder for families to seek help.
The Role of Families in Recovery
Asraf emphasizes the critical role families play in the recovery process. However, they often face significant barriers, including denial, myths about addiction, and intense stigma, especially for women.
"Families face criticism and blame, making it hard to see addiction as a disease," she explains.
This stigma can delay acceptance and treatment, leading to further complications.
Evidence-Based Approaches and Psychoeducation
One of the key strategies Asraf advocates for is psychoeducation. "When we do psychoeducation with the family members, they're able to understand like what is the nature of the disease, how it impacts the person suffering from substance use disorder, how the judgment is impaired, how it is a brain disease." This education helps families understand the complexities of addiction and reduces stigma.
Support groups also play a vital role. "When we do separate support groups for the family, they're able to see that there are other family members also suffering through this, and it helps them to accept that this is our problem and we need to go through this."
Challenges and Innovations in Treatment
Despite progress, maltreatment and outdated practices still exist in Pakistan.
"Unfortunately, maltreatment is common in Pakistan, with practices like cold turkey, confinement, and even beating still used in treatment facilities," Ashraf notes. Such experiences make families fearful of seeking help and can lead to further trauma and resentment.
To combat this, Asraf and her team at Green Field Hospital focus on evidence-based practices and creating supportive environments. Therapy sessions, support groups, and psychoeducation are integral parts of their approach. They also emphasize the importance of hope and role models in the recovery process, showing families that recovery is possible and a continuous journey.
Asia Ashraf is a devoted professional with over 18 years of expertise in addressing drug addiction treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery. She underwent a prestigious one-year Hubert Humphrey Fellowship in Substance Abuse Education, Treatment, Recovery and Prevention from Virginia Commonwealth University, USA. Serving as the Global DDR and National Trainer UTC (Basic & Advanced) for UNODC and Colombo Plan, she is an Internationally Certified Addiction Professional (ICAP-IV) from GCCC, Sri Lanka. Asia pioneered the establishment of the first Recovery Club in Islamabad, providing a safe space for people in recovery. She is also a trainer for Recovery Allies and WISE (Women’s Intervention for Substance Exposure: Comprehensive Care for Women with SUD) curriculums by Colombo Plan. Currently serving as the Director of Rehabilitation and Consultant Psychologist at Greenfield Hospital of Psychiatry, she has been instrumental in creating family-inclusive recovery programs. Her work emphasizes the critical role of families in the recovery journey, providing them with guidance, support, and education to rebuild healthy and resilient relationships with loved ones in recovery.
Actively participating in the RAALCA Steering Committee for Asia and Africa and the Global Recovery Network, Asia is a core team member of the Global Gender Committee by World Federation Against Drugs (WFAD), Sweden. She recently assumed the crucial position of Secretary on the Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs (VNGOC) board, playing a pivotal role in shaping international drug policies and fostering collaboration among NGOs dedicated to drug- related issues.
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