Suicide by Shisha: The Slow Death You Call Fun
I don’t know about you, but I can’t wrap my head around the logic of filling your lungs—and by extension, your brain—with smoke. Isn’t the air we breathe already polluted enough, especially in cities both big and small? So what do you really gain from not only depriving your brain of oxygen but also flooding your body with toxins—poisoning your lungs, veins, and vital organs with every drag?
Some will say, “I just want to enjoy life.” But will you still be enjoying life when your later years are spent gasping for breath on a respirator, paying the price for abusing your body? I’ll admit, I’m hard on people who willingly deprive their brains of precious oxygen, calling it “socializing” just because they do it together with their friends. I’ve never smoked, never inhaled—not cigarettes, not weed, not Shisha, not even secondhand smoke if I could help it. Whenever I saw a cloud of cigarette smoke, I held my breath until I could escape to fresh air. Because I know how delicate the brain is. I know how much we’re already under attack—by polluted air, chemical-laced food, poisoned water, hormone-altering pesticides, and spiritual corruption. And yet, people still sign up for slow-motion suicide through a pipe.
I’m not preaching—I’m just speaking from the heart. Do your research on Shisha. Some call it Hookah, others have different names for it, but the effects are the same. And while many believe it’s harmless, they’re dead wrong—sometimes literally. Maybe you think it’s just a bit of fun, a way to unwind, but what is the real cost of that so-called pleasure?
Living here in the mountains of Ghana’s Eastern Region, I feel a deep sense of joy watching young people on Saturday mornings power-walking in the sun, sweating, moving their bodies, embracing life. Then, I contrast that with another group—those preparing to stay up all night, filling their lungs with Shisha smoke, drowning their bodies in alcohol, and in some cases, popping pills for an even deeper escape. Fast forward twenty years—who do you think will look healthier? Who will still be standing strong, clear-minded, and full of energy?
And that’s why I call this Suicide by Shisha. It may not take you today, but it’s digging your grave with every inhale.
Let’s take a deep dive into the truth they don’t want you to hear…
Shisha smoking has become increasingly popular in Ghana and many other parts of the world. While it is often seen as a trendy and social activity, the dangers associated with it are rarely discussed. Many people mistakenly believe that shisha is a safer alternative to cigarettes, but in reality, it can be just as harmful—if not worse. This article explores what shisha is, its origins, what makes it addictive, and the serious health risks it poses.
What Is Shisha?
Shisha, also known as hookah, waterpipe, or narghile, is a method of smoking flavored tobacco through a specially designed pipe. The device consists of a bowl, a water chamber, a hose, and a mouthpiece. When heated, the tobacco smoke passes through water before being inhaled by the user. Many people assume that the water filters out harmful substances, but this is a dangerous misconception.
The Origins of Shisha
Shisha smoking dates back over 400 years and is believed to have originated in India or Persia (modern-day Iran). It later spread to the Middle East, North Africa, and eventually to Europe and other parts of the world. Traditionally, shisha was used in social gatherings, particularly in Arab and South Asian cultures. However, in recent years, it has gained popularity among young people, including in Ghana, where shisha lounges and bars are becoming increasingly common.
What Makes Shisha Addictive?
Shisha contains nicotine, the same highly addictive substance found in cigarettes. Many people falsely believe that shisha is less harmful because of the water filtration process, but this is not true. Here’s what makes shisha so addictive:
- High Nicotine Content – The tobacco used in shisha contains as much nicotine as cigarettes, leading to dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
-
Longer Smoking Sessions – Unlike cigarettes, which take a few minutes to smoke, a single shisha session can last 30 minutes to an hour, leading to prolonged nicotine exposure.
-
Social Reinforcement – Many people smoke shisha in groups, making it a social habit that is hard to break.
-
Flavored Tobacco – The fruit and sweet flavors make shisha more appealing, especially to young people, masking the harshness of regular tobacco.
The Dangerous Chemicals in Shisha
Many smokers do not realize that shisha contains toxic chemicals that can cause severe health problems. These include:
Carbon Monoxide (CO) – A poisonous gas that reduces oxygen in the blood, leading to dizziness, headaches, and long-term cardiovascular issues.
Nicotine – A highly addictive substance that increases heart rate and raises blood pressure.
Tar – A sticky substance that damages the lungs and increases the risk of lung disease and cancer.
Heavy Metals (Lead, Arsenic, and Chromium) – These metals accumulate in the body and can cause serious organ damage.
Health Risks of Shisha Smoking
Smoking shisha is linked to numerous health problems, many of which are as bad—if not worse—than those caused by cigarette smoking. Here are some of the most serious risks:
- Increased Risk of Lung and Oral Cancer
The toxic chemicals in shisha damage lung tissue and increase the risk of lung cancer. The heat from the charcoal used in shisha can also cause oral cancer, especially with prolonged use.
- Heart Disease and High Blood Pressure
Shisha smokers are at a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and hypertension. The nicotine in shisha narrows blood vessels, increasing the strain on the heart.
- Respiratory Problems
Inhaling shisha smoke can cause chronic bronchitis, asthma, and lung infections. Even secondhand smoke from shisha poses a significant risk to non-smokers.
- Infertility and Pregnancy Complications
Studies have shown that shisha can reduce fertility in both men and women. Pregnant women who smoke shisha or are exposed to it have a higher risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, and birth defects.
- Transmission of Infectious Diseases
Sharing a shisha pipe with others can lead to the spread of tuberculosis (TB), herpes, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases due to contaminated mouthpieces.
Shisha in Ghana: A Growing Epidemic
Shisha smoking has become increasingly common among young people in Ghana, particularly in urban areas. Many cafes, lounges, and nightclubs offer shisha as a recreational activity, making it more accessible to teenagers and young adults. The perception that shisha is less harmful than cigarettes has fueled its popularity, despite overwhelming evidence of its dangers.
How to Quit Shisha Smoking
If you or someone you know is struggling with shisha addiction, here are some steps to quit:
- Understand the Risks – Educate yourself on the dangers of shisha and how it affects your health.
-
Seek Support – Talk to friends, family, or a professional counselor for help.
-
Avoid Triggers – Stay away from places where shisha is commonly smoked.
-
Find Alternatives – Engage in healthier activities like exercise, reading, or meditation.
-
Use Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) – Nicotine patches, gum, or other medications can help ease withdrawal symptoms.
Shisha smoking is far more dangerous than most people realize. It is highly addictive, packed with harmful chemicals, and linked to severe health problems, including cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses. In Ghana, the growing popularity of shisha among young people is alarming, and more awareness is needed to combat this public health issue.
If you or someone you know is addicted to shisha, it’s crucial to take steps to quit before the damage becomes irreversible. Shisha may seem like a harmless social activity, but its long-term effects are anything but harmless.
