When you think about flavored tobacco products, one of the first items that may come to mind is menthol cigarettes or (perhaps) the extreme lineup of e-cigarettes that are currently on the market. Still, for a large number of people with more artistic tastes (so to speak), they might turn to a lesser known item that has somehow gained popularity in the United States: hookahs. Originating in India before trickling through Middle Eastern countries, the hookah has played a huge part in Muslim traditions and has often been featured in coffee houses across these countries. (In keeping with spiritual practices, though, men never served alcohol at these establishments.) Nevertheless, in Western society, the hookah bars have gained popularity and (as expected) starting serving alcohol, coffee, and (most importantly) flavored tobacco. Let’s take a closer look at these locations and find out more.
Rising to Popularity
In past years, the first hookah bars to spring up in the United States constituted coffee and tea houses that directly catered to immigrant subgroups. However, this practice quickly went to new heights (no pun intended) when the simply named Hookah Lounge opened in Las Vegas, Nevada. Described as America’s Original Hookah Lounge, this location became so popular that additional spots began to pop up. Ultimately, hookah bars were spreading across the United States, acclaimed today for their hip, zany, and cultural atmospheres.
Playing a Dangerous Game
Ultimately, people may harbor the predisposition that hookah bars are a wonderful way to socialize (a belief harbored by young people, in general) and are completely safe for your health. In reality, this statement couldn’t be far from wrong. In a recent study, researchers from John Hopkins University studied a cluster of hookah bars for a 9-month period. Ultimately, the scientists were seeking to determine the nicotine, carbon monoxide, particulate matter levels from the hookahs. After studying people who attended these bars for this same amount of time (9 months), the John Hopkins team reported that the patrons’ nicotine levels were 70 times higher than they had been before bar attendance.
Seeking Treatment for Cigarette Use
Despite what people may tell you, cigarettes and any tobacco products are completely hazardous to your health. Besides the addictive substance nicotine, these items contain dangerous quantities of toxins and poisons (numbering in the thousands) that can destroy your mind and body. If you have become addicted to nicotine and suffer from severe dependency, though, you must remember that you can always find a way to heal. Getting your life back on track is easy, with the right help.
If you, a friend, or loved one is suffering from nicotine addiction, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process detox and withdrawal and guide you through each step of the rehabilitation process to help you separate yourself from these substances. The time to take back control of your life is now.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your attachment to tobacco products.
