Basrah - College of Pharmacy Media:
The College of Pharmacy at the University of Basrah held a scientific symposium titled "The Phenomenon of Smoking: Its Spread and Effects on Society." The symposium covered several axes, with the first axis focusing on the psychological aspect, the causes of which include the desire to imitate, the presence of a role model, and the feeling of control or power over those around.
The second axis discussed some treatments that help in quitting smoking, including nicotine replacements such as drops, gum, sprays, or patches. It also discussed Amitriptyline, which helps in quitting smoking by compensating for the feelings of happiness or euphoria the smoker gets from a cigarette. It was pointed out that research conducted in Basrah demonstrated the effectiveness of this drug.
The third axis was about electronic smoking and the devices used in this field, such as electronic hookahs and electronic cigarettes. It was clarified that they are not considered alternatives to conventional smoking nor a means to quit, as the substances used in these devices contain the same components found in cigarettes and hookahs, and their harms are the same, if not greater, because people's belief that they are harmless increases their usage rate.
The symposium recommended the necessity of establishing strict laws to limit smoking within the corridors of the university and its colleges. It also recommended striving to establish a specialized center to assist those who wish to quit smoking by providing them with psychological and educational support, as well as educating everyone about the harms and risks of smoking by distributing educational posters and publications.
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