Ramadan Offers Critical Opportunity for Smokers to Quit, Says PHCC Official
Health experts highlight that the holy month of Ramadan provides a unique physiological and psychological environment that allows smokers to break their addiction by bypassing the first cigarette after Iftar.
Ramadan Offers Critical Opportunity for Smokers to Quit, Says PHCC Official
Health experts highlight that the holy month of Ramadan provides a unique physiological and psychological environment that allows smokers to break their addiction by bypassing the first cigarette after Iftar.
Key Points
- Natural Transition: Fasting for long hours forces a reduction in nicotine consumption, helping the body adjust to lower levels of the substance.
- The Critical Moment: Avoiding the immediate cigarette after breaking the fast (Iftar) is identified as the most vital step toward permanent cessation.
- Supportive Environment: The combination of religious commitment and social habits during Ramadan creates a strong support system for those looking to quit.
- Gradual Adaptation: The month acts as a training period, teaching the body to manage cravings through discipline and modified routines.
The Role of Fasting in Smoking Cessation
According to a health official from the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), speaking to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), Ramadan serves as an ideal window for individuals seeking to overcome nicotine addiction. The structure of the fasting day mandates a period of abstinence that can be leveraged to transition into a tobacco-free lifestyle.
Because fasting requires several hours of total abstinence from dawn until sunset, the body is naturally forced to lower its nicotine intake. This period of forced withdrawal can be used as a "training phase," allowing the body to gradually reduce its physiological dependence on nicotine without the immediate pressure of constant accessibility.
Breaking the Cycle After Iftar
The official emphasized that the most significant hurdle for most smokers is the first cigarette consumed immediately after breaking the fast. By resisting this specific cigarette, smokers can disrupt the association between eating and smoking, which is often a powerful psychological trigger.
Medical experts suggest that the religious and social environment of the month provides a psychological boost that is often absent during other times of the year. The shared experience of fasting and the spiritual discipline involved can empower individuals to maintain their resolve during the evening hours.
Long-term Health Benefits
The PHCC highlights that utilizing Ramadan as a starting point is not just about temporary abstinence, but about building long-term habits. The month-long duration of Ramadan is sufficient to help the body begin the detoxification process and reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms.
"Fasting for several hours forces the smoker to reduce nicotine, which trains the body to gradually give up this habit," the official noted, underscoring that the religious and social factors of the month are key pillars in helping citizens and residents overcome the health scourge of smoking.