Doha: Ramadan presents a unique opportunity for smokers to embark on the journey to quit smoking, capitalizing on the religious and social influences that this month offers. The prolonged hours of fasting naturally help in reducing nicotine intake, essentially training the body to gradually give up the habit.
According to Qatar News Agency, Dr. Abdulhameed Al Khenji, Head of Wellness for Community Interventions at Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), emphasized that numerous global smoking cessation initiatives have been conducted during Ramadan. Studies have highlighted the month’s effectiveness in resetting various habits, including smoking. Fasting, by nature, requires individuals to abstain from smoking for extended periods, serving as a significant first step toward permanent cessation.
Dr. Al Khenji also suggested that smokers alter their routines during Ramadan, particularly after Iftar, to facilitate quitting. He advised avoiding places associated with smoking, such as cafes or shisha lounges. He warned against smoking in the first hour after breaking the fast, recommending starting with dates and water, performing the Maghrib prayer, having a light meal, and taking a short walk. These strategies, known as delaying the “first cigarette after fasting,” are designed to weaken the association between breaking the fast and smoking.
Further, Dr. Al Khenji proposed waiting ten minutes when the urge to smoke arises and engaging in activities like exercising and reading the Quran to reduce the need for smoking. He underscored the importance of family and friend support or seeking assistance from smoking cessation clinics for advice or treatment, emphasizing the decision to quit must come from a sincere intention and confidence.
Ramadan should be seen as more than a temporary abstinence period but as a permanent turning point. The ability to abstain for 14 to 16 hours daily during Ramadan indicates the potential to continue this abstention post-Ramadan.
Dr. Al Khenji noted that PHCC’s Community Wellness Department is executing various campaigns and programs to assist smokers in quitting during Ramadan. These efforts include media awareness campaigns and field initiatives within primary health centers to educate patients and visitors about the benefits of quitting smoking and improving lifestyle choices during Ramadan.
The PHCC has expanded its smoking cessation services, now offering 22 clinics across 19 health centers, with plans to open four more clinics by 2026. These clinics, which provide integrated services such as behavioral counseling, periodic follow-up, and drug treatment, have seen increasing patient attendance and encouraging success rates in sustained smoking abstinence, demonstrating the effectiveness of PHCC’s advanced programs and professional support.