Lately, an increasing number of teens across the world are showing an inclination toward hookah smoking. As per a Monitoring the Future survey, about 23 percent of 12th grade students in America smoked hookah in 2014, up from 17 percent in 2010. They are under the wrong impression that hookah smoking is not as deadly as cigarette smoking, which is definitely not true.

In fact, tobacco in both hookah pipe and cigarette is equally toxic and it is wrong to think that the presence of water in hookah filters out the toxic ingredients in the tobacco smoke. Hookah smokers end up inhaling more tobacco smoke than cigarettes smokers because of the volume of smoke inhaled in a single smoking session. Thus, hookah smoking is not at all a safe alternative to cigarettes.

Hookah smoking does not usually leave a typical smell of nicotine on user

Despite being equally detrimental to health, smoking hookah and cigarettes are different in more than one ways. While hookahs are usually smoked in bars and lounges with smokers choosing their preferred flavor of tobacco along with their favorite cocktail or juice, cigarette smoking has no constraint of time and place.

Hookah pens are available in a wide range of colors and patterns to attract the youth and adults. Smoking hookah does not usually leave a typical smell of nicotine on the user, unlike cigarettes, and thus, this addiction can be kept under wraps for a long time. Since there is no stigma attached to this form of addiction,  the rate of abstinence is also usually less in hookah smokers. But hookah smokers may absorb more toxic substances than cigarette smokers, depending on the way it is used, said a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Ill effects of hookah smoking

Hookah smokers are exposed to the same harmful toxins as in cigarettes and hence, are vulnerable to a plethora of diseases, said the CDC. In fact, use of hookah may lead to higher absorption of toxins due to various factors, such as depth of inhalation, frequency of puffing and the duration of the smoking session. A hookah smoking session, usually an hour long, involves 200 puffs, while cigarette involves 20 puffs, said the report.

Hookah smoking is linked with serious health implications, such as cancers of various types, blocked arteries, heart disorder and many more. It contains toxic elements like heavy metals, tar, carbon monoxide, etc., which can pose a serious potential health hazard. It also creates dependence among users. In case of expecting mothers, it can result in low-birth-weight babies. Moreover, the risk of spread of infectious diseases is high in bars and café due to unhygienic pipes used.

Seeking treatment

The decision to give up an addiction forever is difficult. The way to sobriety may be full of obstacles, however, once a person is determined about an addiction-free life, he or she may look forward to a healthier and happier way of living.

Detoxification is the first step in the recovery process. It works by removing the toxins, a common effect of dependence created by any sort of substance, from the body. It helps the patient deal with withdrawal symptoms and curb cravings and relapse. But, it must be done under expert medical supervision. Expert counseling right in the initial stage of treatment can help the sufferer in the long run.

Overcoming addiction can never be easy, but with the help of proper treatment and aftercare plan under medical supervision, an addict can reclaim his or her life. If you or a loved one is bearing the brunt of hookah addiction, or is dependent on any other substance, the 24/7 Florida Detox Helpline can help you come out of its clutches. We can guide you to the most suitable detox center in Florida depending on your need. You may call at our 24/7 helpline number 855-920-9869 or chat online to know about various detox facilities in Florida.