Every day, a new fear of ice addiction is growing in the hearts of parents across Pakistan. This crystal meth drug is dragging our youth into darkness. It’s not just a party drug anymore; it’s a slow poison that’s rapidly spreading among college and university students. In hostels and social circles, it’s being marketed as an “energy booster,” but in reality, it has become a life-destroying habit.

Ice nasha doesn’t just ruin physical health, but it severely damages mental health as well. Cases of depression, paranoia, and even psychosis have already been linked to its use. What’s more alarming is that many parents don’t even realise when their child has started using ice.

This blog is for everyone who wants to understand this dangerous trend creeping into Gen-Z’s lives and for those who want to help a loved one break free from its grip.

The Ice Boom in Pakistani Colleges and Universities

Today, colleges and universities are no longer just centres of education. They’ve also become hotspots for a dangerous new trend ice addiction, or crystal meth. This drug is rapidly spreading, especially among students living in hostels, where greater freedom makes it easier to access and use such substances.

Many students believe that ice makes them more active and focused. It’s commonly used during exams or while working on assignments. This myth has become so strong through social media and friends that no one really understands the actual side effects. The use of ice is not just an addiction; it leads to heart issues, anxiety attacks, insomnia, and problems like hallucinations.

In Pakistan, ice addiction is increasing not only in big cities like Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi, but also in smaller cities like Sargodha and Bahawalpur. According to some news reports, students living on university campuses have said:

“Taking ice at night in hostels has become a routine. And if someone refuses to use it, they’re considered boring or weak.”

This means it’s not just a drug, but has become a part of peer pressure culture. In such an environment, a regular student doesn’t even realise when they become an ice user.

Until awareness is created, drugs like ice will keep spreading in universities alongside education. The damage will affect not only the students but also their families and society, who will have to pay the price. 

Why Gen-Z is Turning to Ice Addiction in Pakistan

Today’s Gen-Z, meaning those between the ages of 15 and 25, are increasingly falling victim to ice addiction. But the question is, why are they using it in the first place? Below are some reasons that could explain why:

Academic Pressure & Career Anxiety

In Pakistan, students face extreme academic pressure. Everyone wants to top, get a job, and fulfil their parents’ expectations. When someone feels like they can’t handle it all, they often turn toward drugs like ice. It gives them a temporary energy boost and makes them feel more active for a short while. 

But in reality, this is only temporary. Ice nasha use kills real focus and sleep. Later, it leads to more exhaustion, anger, and anxiety.

Lack of Emotional Support & Awareness

We live in a society where very few people truly understand emotional struggles. If a child feels depressed or low, most people just say things like, “Everything will be fine, stay strong.” But the truth is that the person needs someone to listen, someone to understand, and therapy if needed. When they don’t get that support, some turn to ice as their form of “relief.”

Thrill-Seeking & Social Influence (Peer Pressure)

Many students try ice just for fun or under the influence of friends. They think it’s just a party drug, not a big deal. They often believe they’ll quit it after some time. But this mindset slowly pulls them into full-blown addiction. Once someone starts using ice, quitting becomes extremely difficult.

Easy Availability in Urban Areas

Now, ice is easily available in almost every city in Pakistan. Students can get it online, in hostels, and even at private tuition centres. When a drug is easy to access, people are more likely to try it.

Psychological Effects of Ice Addiction

Ice is not just a physical drug. It deeply affects a person’s brain. In the beginning, it feels like you have more energy, you can’t sleep, and you get more work done. But this effect is only temporary. The real harm shows up later. Slowly, a person starts to lose control over themselves.

Short-Term Highs vs Long-Term Mental Damage

When someone takes ice, their brain releases more dopamine. Ice nasha makes them feel very active and excited. But this feeling lasts for only a few hours. After that, they have to face:

• Severe depression
• Tiredness that lasts for days
• Anger and reacting over small things
• Fear and strange body sensations without any reason

So, in the beginning, it feels like you’re full of energy, but later it leads to an emotional breakdown.

Link Between Ice and Depression

Using ice for a long time often causes depression and paranoia. Paranoia means the person always feels like someone is watching or chasing them. They think someone wants to harm them. Some users even see or hear things that are not really there. This is called hallucination.

At a more dangerous stage, the person may suffer from psychosis. This means they can no longer understand what is real or what they are doing. Many people at this stage end up being admitted to hospitals.

Stories or Stats from Pakistan

In 2023, hundreds of patients were admitted to government hospitals in Punjab due to ice use. Many were young students aged between 16 and 20. They were brought in with severe mental breakdowns.

One case in Lahore was of a private university student who took ice for 3 days without sleeping. He had to be taken to the ICU. Due to heavy ice use, his heart was close to failure.

These are not just numbers. These are real people, real families, who are suffering from the results of this drug. Ice addiction is not just about fun or energy; it is a mental health disaster that slowly destroys a person’s life.

Warning Signs in Youth

Ice addiction often starts quietly and easily. Many parents, teachers, and friends don’t realise at first that someone has started doing ice nasha. That’s why it’s very important to talk about the signs that show a person may be addicted to ice.

Behavioral Changes

The first noticeable thing is a change in behaviour. A person using ice becomes angry or irritated all the time. They get angry over small things. Suddenly, they become very active and sometimes don’t sleep for days. These changes may seem strange to parents or friends, but they often don’t understand that drugs could be the reason.

Physical Appearance and Health Clues

Ice nasha doesn’t just affect behaviour. It also shows on the body and face:

• Dark circles and swelling under the eyes
• Sudden weight loss
• Pale or dull face, dry skin, or a lot of pimples
• Excessive sweating, shaking hands, and breaking nails

These are the signs that can be seen if someone pays attention.

Social Isolation or Aggression

An ice user often starts staying away from people. They stop meeting or talking to family and friends. They stay locked in their room. Or sometimes, they become very aggressive and start shouting, yelling, or breaking things.

People often misunderstand this kind of behaviour as mood swings or stress, but in reality, it’s a warning sign of drug use.

How IRC Can Help with Ice Addiction Treatment

No matter how deep ice addiction is, treatment is possible. If help is given at the right time, a person can move toward recovery. Many people were once trapped in ice addiction, but with proper ice addiction treatment, they are now living a new and better life. Organisations like IRC are working with this exact mission. They not only help people quit drugs, but also spread awareness.

IRC provides a compassionate and professional environment. Every patient gets a confidential space where they can openly talk about their problem. Their rehabilitation programs are specially made for people suffering from ice addiction.

Whether the addicted person is a student or a working professional, IRC gives full care and support. Their recovery methods include:

• Therapy sessions
• Medical treatment
• Family support
• Long-term follow-up

These steps help people recover gradually, one step at a time.

If you or someone you know is stuck in this problem, don’t wait. The sooner ice addiction treatment begins, the easier recovery becomes.