Steps to overcome Addiction

  

Today, I address a matter that silently consumes lives, families, and societies – addiction. Whether it is tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or even excessive internet use, addiction is a form of slavery that chains the soul and weakens the body. It is a disease of desire, and its cure lies in faith, discipline, and sincere repentance.

About 20% of adults worldwide are addicted to tobacco, and millions more suffer from drug addiction. These habits destroy health, wealth, and spirituality. Islam offers powerful guidance to overcome them.

 

According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 5 adults worldwide (about 20%) are still addicted to tobacco, despite global efforts to reduce smoking. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reports that millions are addicted to natural and synthetic drugs, with rising trends in synthetic opioids and stimulants.

 

These substances are not just harmful – they are deadly. Tobacco alone causes over 8 million deaths annually. Drugs lead to overdose, mental illness, broken families, and crime. Alcohol contributes to liver disease, violence, and loss of dignity. These are not just health issues; they are spiritual crises. Allah says in the Qur’an:

 

“Do not kill yourselves. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful.” (An-Nisa 4: 30)

 

“They ask you about wine and gambling [which is also very harmful – an addiction]. Say, ‘In them is great sin and [some] benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit.’” (Al-Baqara 2: 220)

On How to Stop 'Smoking'

The Dangers of Tobacco

A person should take care of his health not only during the month of Ramadan but also all life-long. Ramadan is a golden opportunity to stop smoking. 

Most smokers are aware that they may have lung cancer, but few suspect that they are even more vulnerable to heart attacks. Most people who suffer from heart attack in the age group of 30-45 years are smokers. But what is more serious is that a smoker who has a heart attack is more likely to lose his life. I hereby mention a list of the damage caused by smoking.

Cigarette Smoking: Health Effects

1. Accelerates the blockage of the arteries.
2. Deprives your blood of at least 15% of its oxygen.
3. Pulses the heart while narrowing the blood vessels, causing overstrain in the circulation.
4. Increases the risk of malformation of babies whose mothers smoke.
5. Children of parents who smoke are more exposed to flu and bronchitis.
6. Pollutes the atmosphere and cause harm to your family.
7. Decreases sperm count and is responsible for sperm malformations.
8. Causes lung cancer.
9. Increases the risk of coronary thrombosis, paralysis, and gangrene in the legs.
10. Delays the healing of gastric and duodenal ulcers.
11. Causes acute and chronic bronchitis in the lungs.

Even ‘mild’, low tar cigarettes increase the risk of heart and lung damage, so do not be fooled by advertising.

In Mauritius 58% of men are heavy smokers while among women the percentage is in the 7% range - which is very high and it is not surprising that Mauritius breaks all records in cardiovascular diseases, especially among men.

One must stop smoking, but how?

First,  decide to stop. Make a firm decision. If you are not mentally prepared, you will not succeed.  

Second, Make a plan of action.

Third, Fight against this evil. Join a group of non-smokers. Do a lot of sport.

Forth, Take the month of Ramadan as a starting point. It is truly a golden opportunity to stop.