The experience of smoking a hookah, also known as a waterpipe or shisha, involves heating a flavored tobacco or herbal mixture. The resulting smoke is cooled by passing it through water before being inhaled. This process delivers a range of immediate physiological and subjective sensations that users describe as the “feel” of the experience. The initial feelings are influenced by the sensory input, while the deeper effects are driven by the chemical compounds absorbed into the body. Understanding the hookah experience requires considering the initial sensory input, the underlying chemical mechanisms, and potential short-term negative physical reactions.
The Initial Sensory Experience and Mild Buzz
The first sensation upon drawing from a hookah is a cool, smooth feeling in the throat and lungs, resulting from the smoke passing through the water chamber. This filtration cools the smoke significantly, making it less harsh than cigarette smoke and allowing users to inhale more deeply. The experience is defined by the dense, aromatic vapor that carries the distinct, sweet flavors of the tobacco or herbal mixture.
Many users report a feeling of relaxation and a mild sense of well-being almost immediately. The act promotes a slower, measured pace of breathing, which contributes to a calming effect. This initial rush is commonly described as a “buzz” or a “head spin,” characterized by slight lightheadedness or a mellow feeling. The intensity of this sensation varies based on the tobacco used and the individual’s sensitivity.
The Chemical Components Driving the Sensation
The subjective feelings of relaxation and the “buzz” are primarily caused by the absorption of nicotine and carbon monoxide. Hookah smoke contains nicotine, a naturally occurring stimulant absorbed into the bloodstream. Nicotine binds to brain receptors, triggering the release of neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine, which creates feelings of pleasure and mild euphoria.
Nicotine acts as a stimulant, increasing heart rate and blood pressure, contributing to the initial rush. The amount absorbed during a single session can be substantial, sometimes delivering 1.7 times the dose of a single cigarette due to the longer duration of use. The sensation of lightheadedness is intensified by the high levels of carbon monoxide (CO) produced by the burning charcoal used to heat the tobacco.
The charcoal’s combustion releases significant amounts of CO, which is inhaled along with the smoke. CO rapidly binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells to form carboxyhemoglobin. This process effectively reduces the amount of oxygen transported to the brain and other organs. The resulting oxygen deprivation contributes to the heavy, dizzy, and lightheaded feeling that accompanies the buzz.
Short-Term Negative Physical Reactions
Acute physical discomfort can manifest during or shortly after a hookah session, particularly with prolonged use or among inexperienced users. The high levels of carbon monoxide exposure often lead to immediate negative reactions, sometimes referred to as “hookah sickness.” Symptoms of mild CO exposure include headache, ranging from slight to severe, and a general feeling of lethargy or fatigue. Nausea and vomiting are also common short-term side effects, often exacerbated by smoking on an empty stomach. The body’s cardiovascular response, including elevated heart rate and blood pressure, can contribute to feelings of dizziness or vertigo.