According to the Ministry of Health, as much as 45 percent of Saudi men smoke and 24 percent of preparatory school students have the habit.
About one in four Saudi women between 25 and 35 light up, she added. The cost of treating the health effects of smoking in the Kingdom is estimated to be about SR5 billion annually.
But last year, the doctor said 1,084 people came to her seeking help to quit smoking, 86.5 percent of them men. Most of her patients seeking to kick the habit were between 31 and 40 years of age, followed by people between the ages of 41 and 50. Ninety-two teenagers, four of them young women, also sought help.
“Programs are led by counselors with special training and experience. Special programs are also planned for those who need an extra push,” she said.
The treatment uses varenicline, a drug marketed by Pfizer under the brand name Champix that reduces cravings and the pleasurable effect of tobacco products. The program costs between SR250 and SR1,850, depending on its duration.
However, besides the drug — which has side effects that include depression and nausea in some users and must be taken with the guidance of a specialist — the doctor says people need to have the will to quit smoking.
“The level of motivation to quit is very important,” she said. “It can affect what methods to quit smoking they will even consider. People with high motivation are more likely to choose the program that helps them quit smoking quickly.”
Realizing the social costs of the world’s No. 1 killer substance, the Saudi government has been taking steps to eradicate the bad habit through awareness campaigns, smoking bans in some public spaces (such as airports and shopping malls) and the establishment of public treatment clinics.
“Education and advocacy are essential. No legislation can be fully enacted without educating the public and policymakers alike on the health dangers,” said Ashy.
“The cooperation of scientists and public-health officials is needed to convince legislators about the importance and the feasibility of achieving no-smoking public places.”
The doctor pointed out that contrary to the notion that tobacco products help calm jittery nerves, nicotine — the active ingredient — is a stimulant.
“It makes the heart beat faster and raises blood pressure, so in fact, smoking does not really help to cope with unpleasant situations,” she said.
And though nicotine reduces appetite, thus helping in controlling overeating, when people quit they commit themselves to healthier living that can also help reduce weight gain.
“After one stops smoking, one will be much fitter and energetic, which could motivate him to take some form of exercise,” said the doctor.
