Pharmacy offers help to Muslim smokers during Ramadan

The Co-operative pharmacy will offer free support to Muslim smokers during the month of Ramadan.

Followers of Islam are not permitted to eat, drink, smoke or have sex between dusk and dawn during Ramadan. It can be a difficult period for smokers who are likely to experience nicotine cravings and miss their normal smoking routine. Withdrawal symptoms may be experienced, including restlessness, irritability and anger.

In total 82 Co-op pharmacies, situated in areas with high Muslim populations, will have specialist staff on hand. They will offer tailored support to Muslim communities about any medical issues.

The Co-op has already been commended by the Muslim Council of Great Britain for the services it has offered during Ramadan in previous years. These have included information for people taking medications, who may need to work pill-taking routines around their fasting. Technically, ill people are exempt from fasting during Ramadan. But many will still attempt to do so out of dedication to their religion.

Perhaps some will see Ramadan, which falls between August and September, as a good opportunity to quit smoking entirely. Many Muslims view the month as a chance to make resolutions, and to make commitments to becoming a better, healthier person. Smoking cessation can be part of this. The Co-op may advise some people to try the anti-smoking medication Champix, which has been attributed to many smokers successfully giving up.

Mind over matter

Quitting smoking is hard for both the body and the mind. It’s difficult for the body because smokers build up a physical nicotine addiction. In the mind, meanwhile, smoking can be a challenging habit to break.

A recent study in Israel has actually inferred that the mental aspect of giving up is the most prominent. If this is true then smoking cessation is more mind over matter, which is something that Muslims who are looking to give up over Ramadan may want to consider.