An Anthropological Exploration of Indigenous Healing Practices in the Drug Rehabilitation Process

Abstract

This study explores the role of indigenous healing practices in the drug rehabilitation process. The objectives of the research were to identify the indigenous healing practices used within rehabilitation settings, to examine their perceived impact on sobriety and mental well-being, and to analyze the personal, institutional, and cultural challenges associated with integrating these practices into formal rehabilitation systems. A qualitative research design was employed. Data were collected from 28 participants through purposive sampling, including patients undergoing rehabilitation, healthcare professionals, and indigenous healers such as hakeems and religious scholars. Fieldwork was conducted across three rehabilitation centers in Islamabad, supplemented by interviews with participants accessed through key informants. Data collection methods included semi-structured in-depth interviews, participant observation, field notes, and document review. Key informants such as rehabilitation center heads, therapists, and acquaintances played a crucial role in facilitating access to participants, obtaining informed consent, and providing contextual and cultural insights. Interviews were conducted both in person and remotely, with an average duration of 25–40 minutes, and were audio-recorded with consent. The present study has revealed that although mainstream rehabilitation largely emphasizes biomedical and institutional approaches, the lived experiences of patients, indigenous healers, and therapists point to significant gaps in culturally responsive care. Much of the existing literature and institutional narratives highlight the effectiveness and structure of formal treatment models; however, this study uncovered that such approaches often overlook indigenous, spiritual, and community-based healing practices that are meaningful to patients. Participants shared that rigid institutional regulations, strict schedules, and licensing constraints limit the inclusion of traditional practices such as dua, zikr, herbal remedies, and culturally grounded rituals, which negatively affect patients’ sense of comfort and engagement in recovery. While therapists and institutional staff reported that adequate care and support were being provided, patients frequentlyexpressed dissatisfaction and a feeling that their cultural and spiritual needs were not fully acknowledged. The study further revealed that although most participants recognized the importance of integrating modern therapeutic methods, there was a strong consensus that recovery outcomes could be improved through a balanced approach that respects indigenous knowledge systems. At the same time, some participants expressed concerns about unregulated practices, emphasizing the need for careful integration rather than complete replacement of biomedical models. Overall, the findings highlight the complexity of recovery and underscore the importance of culturally sensitive, flexible, and inclusive rehabilitation frameworks.