Citation: Social influences on nicotine-related behaviors - sciencedirect. (n.d.). Retrieved February 19, 2023, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0074774218300308 

The WHO claimed in 2012 that 0.5% of people worldwide abuse opioids, compared to 2.5 to 5% of those who abuse cannabinoids. Cultural norms that view cannabinoids as less dangerous than other narcotics and having less obvious withdrawal symptoms may help to explain this . Yet, there is little scientific support for these cultural presumptions.

According to the research, prolonged lockdowns have a negative impact on substance usage because of the tension and worry they cause. Government initiatives should concentrate on lowering the prevalence of cannabis usage among college students. Programs for student and family therapy should address the problem of substance abuse concurrently. The use of orientation efforts that dispel myths about cannabis and emphasize their harmful effects is necessary to change societal attitudes about illegal drugs.

Naguib, .M., Sherif, H.A., Elbalshy, A.T. et al. Prevalence and associated risk factors of cannabinoid abuse among Egyptian university students: a cross-sectional study. Environ Sci Pollut Res 28, 68706–68716 (2021). https://doi-org.libproxy.aucegypt.edu/10.1007/s11356-021-15412-1

Past-5-day waterpipe smoking (frequency) was seen among 28.9%, 51.5%, and 48.6% of persons who had smoked during the previous 30 days. Those from Egypt smoked in cafes the most (74.0%), followed by those from Palestine (44.8%) and Jordan (43.0%). The average amount paid per session was $0.99 in Egypt, $8.07 in Jordan, and $6.05 everywhere (Palestine). The respective mean prices for each packet were $0.86, $4.96, and $5.55. Younger age of initiation, male gender, job, and waterpipe use alone were predictors of prior 30-day waterpipe use. Conclusions: This study advances our knowledge of young adults' waterpipe smoking habits, locations where they smoke, and costs associated with doing so in an area with disturbingly high smoking rates.

Studying waterpipe smoking practices can help in the creation of legislative and educational initiatives to reduce the threat that it poses.

Salloum, R. G., Lee, J., Mostafa, A., Abu-Rmeileh, N. M. E., Hamadeh, R. R., Darawad, M. W., Kheirallah, K. A., Salama, M., Maziak, W., & Nakkash, R. (2019). Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking among University Students in Three Eastern Mediterranean Countries: Patterns, Place, and Price. Substance Use & Misuse, 54(14), 2275–2283. https://doi-org.libproxy.aucegypt.edu/10.1080/10826084.2019.1645177

Age: 20

Date: 23/02/2023

*Disclosure of purpose of interview and research paper, interviewee wanted to keep identity hidden.

In this interview I asked Person A about their smoking journey. They used to smoke vape and now cigarettes and occasionally smokes cannabis. They started smoking vape at 16 and introduced to smoking by friends but never family. They were first a social smoker then it shifted to smoking while alone when things got difficult in their life. They are surrounded by smokers and have a thorough education on the harms and risks of smoking. They have tried to quit but have problems with withdrawal symptoms. They do have close friends that have successfully quit. They only quit vape when it broke and they didn't have access to another one. In their university, there are designated smoking areas that enable the smoking community. Smokers go there to hangout first and smoke second. Their view on smokers is a negative view yet they do not identify with that view, despite acknowledging that they are a smoker/addict.

Final Thoughts:
Person A was not educated about cannabis used but was educated about nicotine addiction. They began smoking socially and addiction creeped up on them. They enjoy the social aspect but aim to quit at some time. They feel that they are surrounded by social smoking that it is difficult to quit.