For those under 21 and looking for something to do on a Friday night, hookah seems like a viable option – it’s inexpensive and anyone over 18 can go. 

Philosophy major Mia Dubois said although she hasn't smoked hookah in a while, she likes the social aspect of it. 

"It's a social experience for weekends and stuff," Dubois said. "It's cool because anyone can do it around this area." 

But Fred Batayeh, substance abuse prevention specialist for the Arab American and Chaldean Council, said what some students don’t know is in a typical 45 minute to hour long session, they are smoking the equivalent of up to 100 cigarettes.   

“There’s a perception among not just Arab people, that hookah is alright,” Batayeh said. “The nicotine is still there, the tar is still there and it’s just as addictive.” 

College is a melting pot of cultures – so it’s not uncommon to be exposed to new foods and activities, like hookah, by friends of different backgrounds. 

If appreciating Arab, or Middle Eastern, culture is what some students are looking for, Batayeh suggested trying the food or listening to the music. 

“Arab culture is so rich in so many ways and hookah is such a small part of it,” Batayeh said. 

Lara Mansour, another substance abuse prevention specialist for the Arab American and Chaldean Council, said some people may see smoking hookah as way to relax or get a “buzz,” but none of this is the case. 

Someone not familiar with tobacco or nicotine might feel a light-headed feeling after smoking, but Batayeh said a tolerance can be built up. 

Another issue Batayeh mentioned with the hookah devices used at public lounges is the increased risk of contracting diseases such as Herpes, the flu or meningitis. 

A base attached to the device is filled with water, and Mansour said there is not a way to clean that part internally. 

“They don’t clean it from group to group,” Mansour said. “They use it for the entire day if not two to three days until they feel like cleaning it.”

Dubois said she hasn't paid much attention to the negative effects of hookah. 

"We all die someway," Dubois said.