Cigarettes, Shisha, and the Quiet Logic of an Anonymous Smoker

For many people, Smoking is seen as a way to cope with stress, loneliness, or emotional pain. However, health experts warn that both cigarettes and Shisha carry serious and potentially life-threatening health risks.

An anonymous smoker described smoking as more than just a habit. He says cigarettes have changed simple aspects of his daily life, leaving him with persistent bad breath that even brushing his teeth can not fully remove. Shisha, he says, allows him to hide the smell more easily, but admits it is equally addictive.

His outlook on life also shapes his decisions. He believes growing old is more of a burden than a blessing and says he would not choose to live longer if given the chance. He also describes cigarettes as a companion during lonely moments and a source of comfort when he is stressed.

Although he would never encourage others to start smoking because quitting is extremely difficult, he still refers to it as “the safest addiction,” a statement that reflects the emotional grip Tobacco can have.

Medical evidence tells a different story. Health experts say there is no safe form of tobacco use. Smoking cigarettes and shisha significantly increases the risk of lung and oral cancers, heart disease, and nicotine addiction. Contrary to the common belief that shisha is safer, a single one hour session can expose a smoker to as much smoke as 100 to 200 cigarettes.

The water in a shisha pipe does not remove harmful toxins it simply cools the smoke, allowing it to be inhaled more deeply into the lungs. The charcoal used to heat the tobacco also releases dangerous levels of carbon monoxide and other harmful substances.

Cigarettes are equally dangerous. They contain more than 4,800 chemicals, dozens of which are known to cause cancer, while second-hand smoke also threatens the health of non smokers.

The anonymous smoker’s story highlights the emotional reasons that keep many people smoking despite knowing the dangers. While tobacco may provide temporary comfort, health experts agree that quitting remains the best way to protect long-term health and improve quality of life.

By Namakau Lishebo