The Center for Development and Continuing Education at the University of Basrah organized a workshop on the harmful effects of smoking on individuals. The workshop began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah for the martyrs of Gaza and recalling their heroic role. The workshop then resumed with the aim of raising awareness about the detrimental health effects of smoking on the heart and blood vessels, which is linked to heart failure common among smokers.

The workshop highlighted that smoking rates are higher among individuals with mental health conditions compared to those without any mental health issues. The most vulnerable conditions include major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, other psychotic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and anxiety associated with depression, social anxiety, substance abuse, and alcohol use.

Dr. Khawla Hassan Al-Aboudi, Director of the Educational Guidance and Psychological Care Center, presented the workshop, discussing the impact of smoking on the body's systems, including the brain. She explained that smoking stimulates numerous chemical reactions in the brain, increasing the risk of mental health disorders such as major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. She also noted that nicotine users experience faster cognitive decline compared to non-smokers and are at higher risk of developing dementia, which affects memory, thinking abilities, language skills, judgment, and behavior.

At the end of the workshop, recommendations were made emphasizing the improvement of individuals' mental health over time after quitting smoking. Various tips and strategies were highlighted to help manage and cope with the psychological withdrawal symptoms of smoking. The benefits of quitting smoking were discussed, including reduced levels of anxiety, depression, and stress, improved quality of life and mood, personal satisfaction, self-esteem, and the ability to re-engage in social events and gatherings. It was also noted that it may be possible to reduce the dosage of some medications used to treat various mental health disorders after quitting smoking