How to Quit Smoking

Bismillah

Some of you may know that the Muslim world suffers from the huge problem of smoking. Apparently, Muslims smoke more than any other group in the world–mainly Egypt (not to pick on them).

I came across this study regarding what strategies work in quiting smoking. You can read the abstract of the study HERE

It isn’t mentioned in the link (the complete article you will have to find in the published journal) but there was a competing interest to this study (favoring varenicline) so it might not be too legit but since this was a comparison of previous studies I think it’s fairly safe.

Results: We identified 70 published reports of 69 trials involving a total of 32 908 patients. Six of the 7 pharmacotherapies studied were found to be more efficacious than placebo: varenicline (odds ratio [OR] 2.41, 95% credible interval [CrI] 1.91–3.12), nicotine nasal spray (OR 2.37, 95% CrI 1.12–5.13), bupropion (OR 2.07, 95% CrI 1.73–2.55), transdermal nicotine (OR 2.07, 95% CrI 1.69–2.62), nicotine tablet (OR 2.06, 95% CrI 1.12–5.13) and nicotine gum (OR 1.71, 95% CrI 1.35–2.21). Similar results were obtained regardless of which measure of abstinence was used. Although the point estimate favoured nicotine inhaler over placebo (OR 2.17), these results were not conclusive because the credible interval included unity (95% CrI 0.95–5.43). When all 7 interventions were included in the same model, all were more efficacious than placebo. In our analysis of data from the varenicline trials that included bupropion control arms, we found that varenicline was superior to bupropion (OR 2.18, 95% CrI 1.09–4.08).

In reviewing the success rates I found that about 13% to 25% of people (hundreds of people) were able to quit smoking successfully so this is definitely a strategy worth trying.

Some of these are easily available, while others may require a prescription. You can see a partial list of some of the medications HERE

PLEASE SPEAK TO A DOCTOR BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY OF THESE TREATMENTS

Another good method to add into this is “quitlines” which are like helplines that provide support for people who wish to stop smoking. You can search through Google for a local “quitline” to help you. These have also been proven to cause an increase in quiting successfully.

Some people aren’t aware that these methods are effective although most people are ready to quit.

So in summary:

1) Look into one of the treatments to “wean” you off of smoking

2) Contact a quitline in your area.

3) Make dua that you will quit smoking

Subhana kallahumma wa bihamdika ash-haduana la illaha illa ant astaghfiruka wa atubu ilayk, Ameen.