Written by Emma Unah
In Calabar, Cross River State, there is a troubling trend of young girls between the ages of 15 and 30 being addicted to shisha, which is flavored tobacco diluted with molasses and breathed through a water pipe.
These young ladies are easily identified by their numerous earrings, ankle chains, and king-size nose rings. They also frequently wear skimpy clothing. Despite the risks, these girls—who are frequently students—are smoking in hotels, nightclubs, and even on the street, running the risk of developing a nicotine addiction, developing cancer, and experiencing other severe health problems.
Implications
According to NDV research, they typically engage in numerous puffing sessions each night, which makes them appear lethargic, exhausted, and susceptible to abuse. Some people lose their capacity for reason and start acting recklessly in order to satisfy their addiction.
Akpana, a student at one of the state’s higher education institutes in the north, stated, “I can’t do without shisha.” “I can talk to anyone who needs a fight, and it gives me more confidence.” I’ll give him or her enough.
Shisha, she said, is more affordable and practical than cigarettes. Because a single injection of the substance can provide the smoker with what a single packet of cigarettes cannot, it is less expensive than cigarettes. You simply puff it while remaining in a corner of your room. No one, not even your roommate, will be aware that you are smoking until she notices the smoke, which quickly disappears, because it doesn’t smell like cigarettes,” she continued.
A habit
“We have done it!” was shouted by another Shisha user, who only introduced herself as Anne, as she ran through the streets in shabby clothing. We’ve succeeded! To no specific person, we have done it.
“Normally, one must take something to keep her up,” she retorted when asked what made her so funny once she had calmed down. Life is dull and devoid of happiness. I get to do what makes me happy. Shisha makes people happy.
According to experts, a single shisha session is equivalent to smoking more than 100 cigarettes, making it just as dangerous as cigarettes, if not more so. Additionally, the trend has been connected to prostitution, promiscuity, and other antisocial behaviors.
Dr. Maureen Ettenma, a lecturer in the University of Calabar’s Department of Social Works, told NDV that despite the school authorities’ warnings, girls’ stubborn attitudes are what are pushing them to use hard drugs and engage in other antisocial behaviors. “These medications are widely accessible worldwide. You won’t believe that some of these girls would rather have shisha or ice than eat. Despite the Vice-Chancellor’s repeated warnings that anyone found using hard drugs will be expelled, these warnings are frequently ignored.
According to her, parents need to be more serious about their parental obligations. “The role of parents is very crucial in this regard to stem or eradicate this deadly habit in the young ones, as in the near future, if the tide continues, it would become normal to see a girl puffing shisha openly like one smoking a cigarette.”
Social pressure
Emefiong Jones, a male student who oversees one of the Christian worship centers at the University of Cross River, places the blame on social pressure and the need to fit in. He called on the government to educate youth and take tough measures against drug dealers.
Some of these girls foster these views in front of their parents. They get worse once they leave. They engage in prostitution, lesbianism, and other heinous activities to raise money to pay for these medications. If the issue is to be prevented or reduced, the government must take strong action against these drug stores and the people who run them, he stated.
Concerned public health worker Edet stated, “As the shisha epidemic spreads, it’s time for residents to take action—parents, educators, and authorities must unite to protect these young lives.”
Those found smoking or dealing in shisha would be prosecuted, according to a source at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Calabar.
