FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SHISHA

For decades, authors and researchers have written tons of articles, papers, journals and books about the effects of Shisha on the human body which had been read by many. Yet people want to read more about this sensational Shisha. At the moment, people won’t believe a thing without facts on it. So one would like to know the important details about what about Shisha that makes people so intrigue and what sets it apart from cigarette.  Facts about the inside story why Shisha had the particular effects in the body and why Shisha users want more of it, making them smoke more and more every day. Does Shisha contain more harmful substance than cigarette smoking? Are there similarities and differences between the Shisha water-pipe and cigarette as to the modality of the harmful substances it can deliver to the body of the user? Questions like these need answers.

Below are enumerated facts you must you must know about Shisha.

1.      Have similar effects as cigarette.

The process of smoking Shisha and breathing in the second hand smoke from water-pipes can also be reputed as having similar effects as exposure to smoking cigarette. The belief of many that Shisha is harmless leads to their health breakdown/complication. Shisha is equally as dangerous as smoking cigarette.

2.      Shisha contains more carbon monoxide.

There is a high concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) in Shisha same quantity contains in amounts equal to or greater than that from cigarettes. Carbon monoxide replaces oxygen on red blood cells, making it harder for the body to deliver adequate oxygen to vital organs which can later lead to organ damage.

3.      There is cancer-causing substance I Shisha.

Smoking Shisha contains significant amounts of nicotine, levels of costic compounds such as tar, carbon monoxide (car exhaust), heavy metals like cobalt, and lead; and a host of cancer-causing chemicals.

4.      It is Addictive.

Smoking Shisha produces increased blood nicotine levels and heart rate as cigarette use. The inhaled substances trigger chemical reactions in nerve endings, this release dopamine; which is associated with the feeling of pleasure. This seems to play an important role in nicotine addiction. A Shisha smoker is still smoking tobacco and the nicotine in it causes dependence after using it for several times.

5.      The charcoal in Shisha increased the risk of diseases.

Unlike cigarettes, Shisha smoke may also contain charcoal or wood cinder combustion products from the heat source used to burn the tobacco, increasing the cancer-causing agents in the smoke. Apart from the harmful effect of the chemical, the end product produced by the charcoal only intensifies the damage it can cause to the body.

6.      Damages different organs in the body.

Shisha smoke is associated with increased risk of disease including cancer, heart disease, lung disease and many other deadly ailments. It might not be noticeable now but the harmful chemicals are already slowly damaging certain parts of the body of a Shisha user.

7.      It delivers more smoke in the body.

Of concern, smokers of water pipes may be exposed to even more smoke than cigarette smokers because waterpipe smoking sessions last from 20-80 minutes during which a smoker may inhale as much smoke as that from 100 or more cigarettes. This only magnified and multiplied the effects of smoking Shisha.

8.      It has many names.

So be informed to be familiar, Shisha is one name for water pipes, which is a method of smoking tobacco. Other names include hookah, boory, goza, narghile, nargile, arghile, and hubble bubble.

9.      It contains flavoured tobacco.

The most common form of tobacco smoked in a water pipe is called Maassel, which is sweetened and flavoured in such flavours as apple, mint, cappuccino, etc.

10.   It flourishes in some counties.

Shisha water pipes are most common in areas of China, India, Pakistan, and the Eastern Mediterranean Region, United States as well as in Nigeria. Also to be noted, that Shisha outlet had been showing up like a mushroom in different parts of the globe today.

11.   It has adverse effects during pregnancy.

Pregnant women smoking a Shisha are putting their unborn child at great risk for low birth weight and other birthing problems.

12.   It spreads infectious diseases.

Other health risk includes the spread of infectious diseases like tuberculosis, herpes, and hepatitis. Viral infections can be transmitted through the sharing of the same mouthpiece; a common custom in many cultures.

In conclusion, the available evidence suggests that smoking Shisha water pipes and being exposed to second-hand smoke from water pipes are associated with a high degree of health risk, including cancer risk. There is a widespread misperception that Shisha smoking is safe. In general, people know little about its health effects and believe that it is less harmful than cigarette smoking. Another common misperception among Shisha users is that they will not suffer any adverse consequences if they smoke occasionally rather than daily like most cigarette smokers. Yet even occasional users could be harmed because they probably inhale a lot of smoke full of toxic substances during smoking sessions that typically last for 45 minutes to over an hour both directly and through second-hand smoke.

Knowing these facts will aid you now of why Shisha could have this big impact on your health and wellbeing.

DRUG ABUSE AMONG NIGERIAN STUDENTS; THE IMPACT OF DRUGS IN OUR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

The rate of chemical abuse and substance dependence is becoming increasingly prevalent among the Nigerian In-School Youths of this generation.

Recreational drug use is illegal in most countries, yet some of these drugs are easily accessible.

But why are they so much in demand?

For some, it’s the thrill, the rush while others aim at finding solace to escape a deeper emotional pain by numbing themselves with tranquilizers and narcotics, amongst others.

Here are some of the most commonly abused drugs by young adults in our tertiary institutions.

1)     CANNABIS

Also known by other street names as Mary Jane, kush, pot, Marijuana, Eja, blaze, ganja, etc.

The psychoactive component of Cannabis – tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC – is thought to have evolved as a botanical self-defense chemical, and is present in a subset of the hemp family of plants. Marijuana is the most widely used illegal drug and is probably the most easily accessible in the world.

EFFECTS OF CANNABIS

Some of the common side effects of cannabis include;

• An altered state of consciousness. The user may feel "high", very happy, euphoric, relaxed, sociable and uninhibited.
• Distorted perceptions of time and space. The user may feel more sensitive to things around them, and may also experience a more vivid sense of taste, sight, smell, and hearing.
• Increased pulse and heart rate, bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils and often increased appetite.
• Impaired coordination and concentration, making activities such as driving a car or operating machinery difficult and dangerous.
• Negative experiences, such as anxiousness, panic, self-consciousness and paranoid thoughts.
• People who use large quantities of cannabis may become sedated or disoriented and may experience toxic psychosis - not knowing who they are, where they are, or what time it is. High doses may also cause fluctuating emotions, fragmentary thoughts, paranoia, panic attacks, hallucinations and feelings of unreality.
• The effects of cannabis are felt within minutes, reach their peak in 10 to 30 minutes, and may linger for two or three hours. THC is highly lipid soluble and can be stored in fat cells potentially for several months. The stored THC is released very slowly, and unevenly, back into the bloodstream.
• Red eyes to mention a few.

2)     CRACK

As opposed to powder, crack is a free base form of cocaine that can be smoked. It offers a short but intense high to smokers. It comes in solid blocks or crystals varying in colour from yellow to pale rose or white. Crack is heated and smoked.

It is so named because it makes a cracking or popping sound when heated. Crack is riskier and more potent than regular powder cocaine.

EFFECTS OF CRACK

·        Loss of appetite

·        Increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature

·        Contracted blood vessels

·        Increased rate of breathing

·        Dilated pupils

·        Disturbed sleep patterns

·        Nausea

·        Hyperstimulation

·        Bizarre, erratic, sometimes violent behavior

·        Hallucinations, hyperexcitability, irritability

·        Tactile hallucination that creates the illusion of bugs burrowing under the skin

·        Intense euphoria

·        Anxiety and paranoia

·        Depression

·        Intense drug craving

·        Panic and psychosis

·        Convulsions, seizures and sudden death from high doses (even one time)

3)     TRAMADOL

Tramadol oral tablet is a prescription drug that is available as the brand-name drugs Ultram (immediate-release tablet) and Ultram ER (extended-release tablet). Tramadol extended-release oral capsule is available as the brand-name drug Conzip. Immediate-release drugs are released into the body right away. Extended-release drugs are released into the body slowly over time.

All three forms of tramadol are also available as generic drugs. Generic drugs usually cost less. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name version.

Tramadol is a controlled substance in some countries. This means it can only be used with a doctor’s close supervision. Tramadol is not a controlled prescribed drug in Nigeria

Tramadol is a narcotic-like pain reliever used in treating mild to severe pain.

Tramadol can stop or slow your breathing and can also cause seizures. Tramadol may be habit-forming, even at regular doses.

EFFECTS OF TRAMADOL 

·        Abdominal or stomach fullness

·        abnormal or decreased touch sensation

·        blisters under the skin

·        bloating

·        blood in the urine

·        blood pressure increased

·        blurred vision

·        change in walking and balance

·        chest pain or discomfort

·        chills

·        convulsions (seizures)

·        darkened urine

·        difficult urination

·        dizziness or light-headedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position

·        fainting

·        fast heartbeat

·        frequent urge to urinate

·        gaseous abdominal or stomach pain

·        indigestion

·        irregular heartbeat

·        loss of memory

·        numbness and tingling of the face, fingers, or toes

·        numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the hands or feet

·        pain in the arms, legs, or lower back, especially pain in the calves or heels upon exertion

·        pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck

·        pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back

·        pale bluish-coloured or cold hands or feet

·        recurrent fever

·        seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not there

·        severe cramping

·        severe nausea

·        severe redness, swelling, and itching of the skin

·        sweats

·        trembling and shaking of the hands or feet

·        trouble performing routine tasks

·        weak or absent pulses in the legs

·        yellow eyes or skin

Tramadol is also used as a treatment for premature ejaculation during sexual intercourse but may have other negative effects like erectile dysfunction.

4)     CODEINE

Some over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription cough and cold medicines contain active ingredients that are psychoactive (mind-altering) at higher-than-recommended dosages and are frequently abused for this purpose. Any quick visit to the pharmacy will confirm that the craze for cough syrups is high. This is not because there is a cough outbreak, but the stimulating effect of codeine in these cough syrups.

Codeine – which is to be derived from the opium poppy and is related to morphine and heroin – is being abused by Nigerian youths at an alarming rate. Known as “Lean, Codeine, or Coder” as it is fondly called, has become a favorite for many drug abusers because it is very easy to obtain over the counter at big and small medicine stores alike. Young people often mix it with soft drinks for flavour and is usually taken with alcohol or marijuana for an extra punch.

A variation of “purple drank” is promethazine-codeine cough syrup mixed with alcohol.

Abuse of cough syrup is on the increase in many parts of the country, especially in higher institutions of learning and is spreading like wildfire. Sold between N600 and N800 per bottle, abusers of this drug, drink up to a bottle or two at a time. It is commonly mixed with soft drinks like Coca-Cola, Fanta or Pepsi. The main reason for the increased use of codeine is the euphoric effects associated with opiates.

A frequent user of codeine who spoke with ENCOMIUM Weekly (of September 23, 2013) on the reasons she uses the drug, Miss Opeyemi said, “I tried it for the first time about a year ago and ever since, I take at least a bottle every day. I mix it with chilled coke and sip with a straw.” Asked why she keeps using it and if she was considering quitting anytime soon, she replied, “Why should I want to stop using coder? It is not as if I disturb anybody with it. It makes me feel real good and at peace with myself. I don’t see any reason to stop.”

EFFECT OF CODEINE

Common adverse effects associated with the use of codeine include drowsiness and constipation. Less common are euphoria, itching, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, depression, and coughing.

A person on lean may present a sedated appearance.

5)     ROHYPNOL (ROOFIES)

Rohypnol is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine with general properties similar to those of Valium (diazepam). It is used in the short-term treatment of insomnia, as a pre-medication in surgical procedures and for inducing anesthesia. Rohypnol (Rophenol) is another commonly abused drug among Nigerian youths.  Also known as ‘Ref, Roche, Roofies, Forget-me pill, Mexican Valium, R2, Roofinol, Rope, and Rope’ on the street, Rohypnol is popular with youths because of its fast action and the fact that the effect doesn’t wear off in time. It takes just within 15 to 20 minutes of administration and, depending on the amount ingested, may persist for more than 12 hours. Rohypnol is a date rape drug with criminally inclined young men often use, lacing the drinks of young, unsuspecting ladies with it in order to render them helpless as they helped themselves with their privates, it renders the victim unable to resist. Rohypnol is a tranquilizer about ten times more potent than Valium. Users either crush the pills and snort the powder; sprinkle it on marijuana and smoke it; dissolve it in a drink or inject it.

Rohypnol shot to national prominence when it was discovered to be the substance with which the late Cynthia Osokogu was drugged before she was raped and murdered. Despite the deafening noise by government officials, including the health ministry and the National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), about banning the drug and making it difficult for the drug to be purchased without a doctor’s prescription, the drug is still much accessible to Nigerian youths.

EFFECT OF ROHYPNOL ON USERS

·       Under Rohypnol, individuals experience a slowing of psychomotor performance

·       Muscle relaxation (loss of muscle control)

·       Decreased blood pressure

·       Sleepiness and/or amnesia.

·       Drowsiness

·       Headaches,

·       Memory impairment,

·       Dizziness,

·       Nightmares,

·       Confusion, and tremors.

·       Although classified as a depressant, Rohypnol can induce aggression and/or excitability

6)     APHRODISIACS

It is also worthy of mention that the use of aphrodisiacs or libido boosters, popularly called manpower on the streets or qurantanshi by people from the northern part of the country, or aleko in the South West is also prominent among the youths as well as sexually active men to boost their sexual performances. While the uneducated are mostly associated with local gin mixed with herbs for solutions such as Afa-too, sepe, paraga, opa eyin, etc, the educated ones and students are big on drinks like Alomo Bitters and the other ever-increasing list of bitters solutions. “Research conducted with producers of these local bottled herbal bitter reveals that there are no herbs in their products but chemicals. These chemicals are highly toxic to human system”. (Research source: the drug Salvation Foundation)

Local libido boosters such as paraga, shepe, opa eyin sell for as low as N50 per shot, while a bottle of Alomo Bitters sells for N250. Other bitters are available between N200 and N400.

EFFECT OF APHRODISIACS ON USERS

·       Anxiety

·       Blurred vision

·       Dilation of blood vessels in other parts of the body, causing headaches and fainting.

·       Facial flushing

·       Hallucinations

·       Irregularities of the rhythm of the heart

·       Mental disorders

·       Overstimulation

·       Paralysis

·       Sensitivity to light usually occur with high doses

·       Suicidal tendencies

·       Tremors

·       Upset stomach

·       Weakness

7)     SKUNK

Skunk or SK for short is what some people refer to as the elder brother of Indian hemp. This is because it is much stronger than hemp and is a bit more expensive though it is as easy to get because it is sold by the same peddlers. Skunk is a mixture of weed and some element of cocaine and dried leaves and is sold for N100 a pinch on the streets. SK is a drug for the strong, and more youths, including ladies, are happy to try it to prove their ‘ruggeness’ as it were.

EFFECT OF SKUNK ON SMOKERS

           

·       Loss of coordination and distortions in the sense of time, vision and hearing, sleepiness, reddening of the eyes

·       Acute headache  

·       Increased appetite

·       Relaxed muscles

·       Heartbeat can speed up

·       School performance is reduced through impaired memory and lessened ability to solve problems.

·       Damage the lungs and

·       Damage the heart,

·       Worsen the symptoms of bronchitis

·       Cause coughing and wheezing

·       It may reduce the body’s ability to fight lung infections and illness

REASONS GIVEN BY STUDENTS FOR USING DRUGS

·       Boredom/Curiosity 

·       Emotional Pressure

·       Environment influences

·       For Boldness

·       For Solace

·       Media influence

·       Peer Pressure

·       Positive reinforcement

·       Rebellion

·       Role Modelling

·       Self-medication

·       Social celebration

·       To avoid feeling bad

·       To feel good

·       To study

Some of the effects of substance abuse on the students include but not limited to;

DISEASES

Spread of diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C through sharing needles, or having unprotected sex

CRIME

•        Drug possession/use 

•        Drug trafficking

•        Robbery

•        Prostitution and other sex crimes

•        Terrorism (Political gangsters)

•        Loss of productivity

•        Loss of the labour force (youth)

CREDITS

https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/5-most-commonly-abused-drugs/

http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/crackcocaine/effects-of-crack-cocaine.html

https://www.drugs.com/illicit/cannabis.html

https://www.drugs.com/illicit/rohypnol.html

http://encomium.ng/codeine-hemp-rohypnol-and-other-stimulants-nigerian-youths-take/

DRUG ABUSE A SOCIETAL AND ECONOMIC TSUNAMI

An excerpt from the presentation of Olusesan Oshatimehin during the National Women summit organised by Oyo State Official’s Wives Association (OYSOWA) 12th September 2012

DRUG DEFINED

It is a substance that has a physiological effect when ingested or otherwise introduced into the body, in particular (Wikipedia Definition).

In pharmacology, a drug is a chemical substance used in the treatment, cure, prevention, or diagnosis of disease or used to otherwise enhance physical or mental well-being. Drug may be prescribed for a limited direction, or on a regular basis for chronic disorder.

Ø  A drug is any chemical you take that affects the way your body works Alcohol, Caffeine, Aspirin and Nicotine are all drugs. A drug must be able to pass from your body into brain. Once inside your brain, drugs can change the messages your brain cells are sending to each other, and to the rest of your body. They do this by interfering with your brain’s own chemical signals: neurotransmitters that transfer signals across synapses.

Ø   Drug is any chemical you take that affects the way your body works.

DRUG ABUSE DEFINED

•      DRUG ABUSE, which is also referred to as substance abuse or chemical abuse is a disorder that is characterised by a destructive pattern of using a substance leading to significantproblems or distress. It is common in ages between 14-44years, but more common in the adolescence age group.

•      Addiction: To use compulsively or uncontrollably; to be enslave

•      Abuse: To use wrongly or improperly, Abnormal Use

•      Habit: A constant, often unconscious, inclination to perform some act, acquired through its frequent repetition

•      Addiction Liability/Potential: the tendency to develop/produce an addiction.

•      Drug dependency: This is said to occur when an individual continues to use a particular substance despite problems associated with its usage.

•      Tolerance: This is said to occur when an individual requires a higher dose of a particular drug to achieve the same effect as the initial dose.

•      Withdrawal: These are symptoms that follows stoppage of a particular drug .e.g. vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, talking irrationally, hiccups, insomnia, high blood pressure.

•      Dual diagnosis: This is the presence of both a drug-abuse or dependence issue in addition to a serious mental-health problem in an individual. Substance abuse or dependence unfortunately occurs quite commonly in people who also have severe mental illnesses. Individuals with dual diagnosis are also at higher risk of being noncompliant with treatment. Drug Induced Psychosis or Psychosis induced Drug Problem either can come first.

•      Dependence: state of being determined, influenced, or controlled by something else; subordination to someone or something needed or greatly desired; required for normal physiological or psychological function

-          physical/physiologic/physiological

-          psychological/psychic

CLASSIFICATION OF DRUG USERS (DUs)

There are two classes of Drug Users (DUs) which are;

•      Injecting Drug Users (IDUs)

•       Non-Injecting Drug Users (NIDUs)

COMMONLY ABUSE DRUGS

•      Alcohol, Amphetamines, Anabolic Steroids, Caffeine, Cannabis, Ecstasy,  Hallucinogens, Inhalants, Nicotine, Opiates , Cocaine, Heroine, Rephenol, Phencyclidine, Sedatives, Hypnotic, Or Antianxiety Drugs, Pain Kills, Codeine, Pawpaw Leaves, Benzodiazepines, Ashes

FACTORS OF DRUG ABUSE

There are various biological and psycho-social factors that help to initiate substance abuse in an individual.

1.                BIOLOGICAL FACTORS

 Family History

Preexisting psychiatric or personality disorder, or medical disorder

 Reinforcing effects of drugs

 Withdrawal effects and craving

2.                PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS

•       Curiosity, As a novelty, Social rebelliousness, Early initiation, Poor control, Sensation seeking (Feeling high), Low self-esteem (Anomie).

Signs and Symptoms of Drug Abuse

It is importance to watch significant changes in

v  Physical  Appearance

v  Attitudinal Changes

v   Behavioural Changes

v  Change of friends

WARNING SIGNS OF TEEN DRUG ABUSE

•      Having bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils; using eye drops to try to mask these signs.

•      Skipping class; declining grades; suddenly getting into trouble at school.

•      Missing money, valuables, or prescriptions.

•      Acting uncharacteristically isolated, withdrawn, angry, or depressed.

•      Dropping one group of friends for another; being secretive about the new peer group.

•      Loss of interest in old hobbies; lying about new interests and activities.

•      Demanding more privacy; locking doors; avoiding eye contact; sneaking around.

FIVE STEPS PARENTS CAN TAKE

•      Lay down rules and consequences. Your children should understand that using drugs comes with specific consequences. But don’t make hollow threats or set rules that you cannot enforce. Make sure your spouse agrees with the rules and is prepared to enforce them.

•       Monitor your children’s activity. Know where your teen goes and who he or she hangs out with. It’s also important to routinely check potential hiding places for drugs—in backpacks, between books on a shelf, in DVD cases or make-up cases, for example. Explain to your teen that this lack of privacy is a consequence of him or her having been caught using drugs.

•      Encourage other interests and social activities. Expose your teen to healthy hobbies and activities, such as team sports and afterschool clubs.

•       Talk to your child about underlying issues. Drug use can be the result of other problems. Is your child having trouble fitting in? Has there been a recent major change, like a move or divorce, which is causing stress?

•       Get Help. Teenagers often rebel against their parents but if they hear the same information from a different authority figure, they may be more inclined to listen. Try a sports coach, family doctor, therapist, or drug counselor.

EFFECT OF DRUG ABUSE/SUBSTANCE DEPENDENCE

Drug Abuse has many adverse effects, some of which are;

v  MEDICAL

Seizures, coma, nausea, liver disease (cirrhosis, cancer, fatty liver, and Hepatitis etc)

v   PSYCHOLOGICAL

Permanent Mental Disorder, Psychosis

v   SOCIAL

Series of family problem, legal cases, unproductive at work or school, anti-social disorder

END OF DRUG USERS

There are two ends to any drug users.

1.                Permanent Mental Disability

2.                 Premature Death

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DRUG ABUSE AND HIV

Since Drug is any chemical we take that affects the way our body works. Drug abuse can lead to HIV in the following sense;

•       INHIBITS SENSE OF JUDGMENT: The chance that a high drug user will have unprotected sexual contact with anybody since the judgment is impaired by drug is high.

•       INJECTING DRUG USERS A SUSCEPTIBLE TO CONTRACTING HIV since they mostly share needles & syringe with one another

ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF DRUG ABUSE

Nigeria is lost billions of dollars that could have been used to improved the living standard of her citizens to drug dealers and or peddlers yearly as the rate of drug abuse and addictions is daily on the increase

If an average drug user in typical Lagos island slum spends at least N 15,000 daily on

HEROINE 

15,000 X 7 Days = N 105,000 X 52 Weeks = N 5,460,000 imagine folks using drug for 10 years 5,460,000 X 10 = N 54,600,000.

COCAINE

N 30,000 X 7 Days X 52 Weeks X 10 Years = N 109,200,000

COCAINE & HEROINE

N 40,000 X 7 Days X 52 weeks X 10 Years = N 145,600,000

ALCOHOL

A bottle of beer sells for N 180 at a local joint. If a man drinks an average of five bottles a day that makes it 35 bottles a week. In a year that makes it 1825 bottles amounting to N 328,500. Just imagine folks drinking for 30 years, that will amount to N 9,855,000a leap year will be 5 Bottles X 366 Days X N 180 X 30 Years = N9,882,000 ........Men have drank Bungalows, Duplexes and Estates!!!!!!........***BEER***......​Save a future. Share this message, copy and paste on your walls........

The most frequent question people ask me is “how do they come up with these huge sums of money”?

Source of funding includes but not limited to

-          Begging

-          Scamming

-          Stealing

-          Arm robbery

-          Prostitution

-          Manual Labor

-          Pimping

-          Traffic control at social functions

-          Car jacking

SOCIAL IMPORTANCE

-          Series of family problem

-          Legal cases

-          Unproductive at work or school

-          Anti-social disorder

-          Mental Health Breakdown

-          Financial Slavery