Ramadan : Une belle occasion d’arrêter de fumer
The month of Ramadan is not limited to abstinence from food and spiritual activities. For many smokers, it can be a real turning point towards quitting smoking for good. Dr. Oumar Ba, a pulmonologist and coordinator of the National Tobacco Control Program in Senegal, believes that this period represents "a unique opportunity to initiate a lasting cessation of smoking."
A real, but temporary, shortage
Deprived of nicotine for several hours, a smoker may experience irritability, nervousness, difficulty concentrating, or restlessness. This addiction is both physical and psychological: cigarettes are often associated with deeply ingrained habits, such as after a meal or while having coffee.
However, these symptoms are temporary. According to Dr. Ba, managing to go all day without smoking proves that abstinence is possible. "If you can go without it for hours, why not continue this effort after breaking your fast?" he emphasizes.
Ramadan imposes a strict framework that fosters self-control. This discipline can strengthen personal motivation, a key element in overcoming addiction. Spiritual commitment and the pursuit of well-being are powerful motivators for breaking free from addiction.
Physiologically, the absence of nicotine during the day already initiates a detoxification process. Within a few days, the body begins to adapt to this reduced intake, gradually diminishing the intensity of the cravings.
Beware of overconsumption at the time of the breakup
The expert, however, warns against a common practice: smoking several cigarettes in a row immediately after breaking the fast. After hours without nicotine, the body is more sensitive. A sudden influx can cause palpitations, a rise in blood pressure, dizziness, and even increase the risk of cardiovascular events in vulnerable individuals. This excessive consumption can also strengthen addiction, as the brain associates intense relief with cigarettes.
Essential support
Successful smoking cessation rarely relies on willpower alone. Medical and psychological support significantly increases the chances of quitting for good. Nicotine replacement therapies (patches, gum, lozenges), specific medications, and behavioral therapies may be offered depending on the level of addiction.
In Senegal, support structures exist, notably at the Grand-Yoff General Hospital and Fann Hospital, as well as through the services of the Ministry of Health. The support network also plays a crucial role: informing loved ones, avoiding triggering situations, and adopting new habits (physical activity, breathing exercises, hydration) can make all the difference.
The dangers of tobacco: a necessary reminder
Tobacco remains a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, heart attack, stroke), respiratory diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma), as well as many cancers, particularly lung and throat cancer. It also affects fertility and accelerates aging. There is no risk-free level of tobacco use. Complete cessation remains the only way to eliminate these dangers.
Ultimately, Ramadan can be much more than a time of abstinence: it can become the starting point for a lasting break from tobacco. For those still hesitant, Dr. Ba's message is clear: this period offers all the conditions necessary to transform temporary abstinence into a permanent cessation.
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