A Comparative Study of Contemporary Issues and Challenges in the Treatment of Individuals with Substance Use Disorders in Pakistan

Authors

Dr. Anila Sadaf Mubashir Head / Assistant Professor Department of Applied Psychology, National University of Modern Languages Rawalpindi Author
Rida Kainaat Lecturer Department of Applied Psychology, National University of Modern Languages Rawalpindi Author
Rizwana Amin Assistant Professor Department of Psychology, Effat University Jeddah Author
Maha Mustafa Research Assistant Department of Applied Psychology, National University of Modern Languages Rawalpindi Author

Substance Use, Adults, Challenges, Issues, Treatment, SUDs

This comparative study explores the contemporary issues and challenges in the treatment of individuals

with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) across three provinces of Pakistan—Punjab, Sindh, and

Baluchistan. Using a qualitative research approach, semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis

were employed to assess the sociocultural, treatment-related, stigma-related, and governance-related

barriers faced by individuals seeking rehabilitation. The findings highlight the pervasive stigma

surrounding addiction, limited healthcare accessibility, financial constraints, and inconsistent

governmental policies as major obstacles to effective treatment. The study underscores the need for

standardized, evidence-based treatment programs, improved resource allocation, and policy reforms to

enhance addiction recovery services in Pakistan.