Making the Switch: Quitting smoking and living better with MS

After years of smoking, Mohammad Baashar quit smoking to help cope with worsening MS symptoms, now, he wants to encourage others to do the same

Why I quit smoking

I started feeling severe fatigue, and my head felt incredibly heavy after the first cigarette I smoked in the morning. I couldn’t stand on my feet or even walk normally—I had to lie down. All I could think about was the damage smoking was doing to my body, especially how it affected my energy and movement. Smoking made me feel truly unwell, like I was losing control of my body. I wanted to prevent my symptoms from getting worse and stop harming myself in ways I could control.

The challenges I have faced

I divided the challenges into two parts:

1. Physical Challenge: The main physical challenge was nicotine cravings. I managed them by using nicotine replacement therapies like gum and patches, which helped reduce the urge.
2. Psychological Challenge: These were the toughest but briefest moments, like missing the feeling of a cigarette between my fingers or the sense of relief smoking gave me during stressful times. I also struggled with the routine of smoking after meals. What helped me was remembering why I quit—smoking makes my symptoms worse, and it was doing my health more harm than good.

Benefits since quitting smoking

I’ve noticed a huge improvement in my motor skills. I can climb stairs without needing support, I feel more energetic and alert, and I have much less brain fog. My fatigue has decreased, and I feel like a different person—at least 50% better, if not more.

Advice for others looking to make a healthy switch

Smoking has been linked to faster progression of multiple sclerosis (MS), and quitting can make a real difference. Although it’s not the cause of MS, smoking is associated with increased risk of disability over time. It’s never too late to make a change—quitting smoking can protect your nervous system from further damage and help you feel better overall. It's one of the best decisions you can make for your health.

If you were inspired by Mohammed's story and want to make your own healthy switch, check out our Switch this September challenge. Make a switch, make a difference.

If you would like to read further resources about quitting smoking please check out:

Our A-Z page has comprehensive information on the interaction between smoking and MS.

Smoking and MS

If you don't have the time for a longer read, here's an accessible, quick read blog.

Things that may surprise you about smoking and MS

If you want to review the research evidence behind this advice, here's a report on the benefits of quitting to people with MS.

Research Update: Quitting smoking slows MS progression

Did you know over 19 million people in the UK listen to podcasts? We're delighted to be the number 1 MS podcast globally, thanks to our winning combination of information and conversation on all things MS. In this episode, we speak to consultant neurologist, Professor Richard Nicholas and Caroline Smith, who lives with MS, about how to quit smoking and why it’s important for people with MS.

Podcast: How does smoking affect MS? 

You can also read Professor Nicholas' interview as an article.

Ask the Expert: Smoking and MS