Social Smoking

Social smoking is smoking. 

Even small numbers of cigarettes damage your body and increase your risk for smoking-related diseases. You may be addicted to smoking, even when you don't seem to smoke that much. For example, you may find quitting is difficult, even if you don't smoke every day. Social smoking includes combustible products such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, pipes and hookah.

According to CDC, smoking hookah is a common form of social smoking that is popular with young people and college students. Many people think that hookah is a healthier choice than traditional cigarettes. It can be just as harmful as cigarettes—or worse. Even after passing through water, hookah smoke contains high levels of carbon monoxide, metals, and chemicals known to cause cancer. One hookah session has the same harmful effects on your body as smoking five packs of cigarettes.

The good news: it can be easier to quit smoking if you are a social smoker. That’s because you might only smoke in certain situations or have specific triggers that encourage your smoking. You will still face challenges. Try to develop a plan for how you will handle being around people who are smoking or in places where you used to smoke. There are better ways to socialize than by smoking. Spending time with nonsmokers who share your interests or going to places where smoking isn’t allowed can help. 

Read more about how you can reduce tobacco use as a social smoker (Truth Initiative)