Quitting Smoking During Ramadan

Ramadan, for many, signals abstinence from food and drink. But, for those who have developed nicotine dependency, it signals a much more complex process.

During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims are obliged by religion to fast from eating, drinking, and smoking. Although giving up the first two essentials may be tolerable, giving up the latter is not so easy for those who love indulging in the pleasures of a cigarette.

Smokers don’t only need to fight a grumbling stomach, but they need to fight all sorts of withdrawal symptoms such as irritation, restlessness, anger and anxiety.

Some say that Ramadan is the perfect time of year for smokers to quit smoking. For others, it merely heightens the cravings, making them jump at the cigarette pack when it’s time for breakfast. To resist the cravings, smokers may do things such as sleeping in all day until breakfast.

However, although smoking is not one of the top ten causes of death in the world, tobacco use leads to many of the world’s top killer illnesses such as cardiovascular disease. According to the World Health Organization, tobacco use is responsible for the death of almost one in 10 adults worldwide.

Since Ramadan already bids the Muslim smoker to stop smoking during the day, it is worth trying to persevere for the rest of the day.

Here are some tips for those hoping to quit this Ramadan:
1. Avoid having Iftar (breakfast) with smokers, or spending time with smokers after the meal.
2. Find a group of people with the same goal – it helps feeling like you aren’t the only one struggling. It also helps having some one to talk to.
3. Although you won’t be able to chew nicotine gum, nicotine patches will help without invalidating your fast.
4. Avoid drinking or eating foods that you would usually associate with smoking.
5. Distract yourself as much as possible: whether this means exercising, praying, or whatever it may be.

Good luck!

Image: euobserver.com