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While offering help to those struggling with addiction, Nacada acknowledged that it may be hard for users of the drug to quit.
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Research shows that it can be challenging to stop smoking shisha since many smokers experience urges to smoke and other withdrawal symptoms.
Image: FILE
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has unveiled a 24-hour toll-free number (1192) for Kenyans struggling to quit smoking shisha.
While offering help to those struggling with addiction, Nacada acknowledged that it may be hard for users of the drug to quit.
"If you’ve decided to quit smoking shisha, then you’ve made a great decision for your health. It may be hard at times, but there is help available to you," Nacada wrote on X.
Research shows that it can be challenging to stop smoking shisha since many smokers, especially regular users, experience urges to smoke and other withdrawal symptoms after stopping for a while.
Individuals who develop an addiction could smoke by themselves more frequently.
The use of shisha has been found to have massive effects on the long-term health of individuals including; pulmonary diseases such as chronic bronchitis, lung cancer and gastric cancer.
Shisha smokers may find it simpler to quit with the assistance of a therapy program designed to help people stop smoking.
Nacada promises to offer such help to those seeking assistance through the newly unveiled toll-free number 1192.
The announcement by Nacada comes a week after the government announced the ban on the sale, importation and use of shisha.
In 2017, Kenya became the fourth country in East Africa to prohibit shisha after Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.
But even after the ban, shisha was still widely sold in the country, especially at upmarket nightclubs.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure on March 6 reinforced the ban on the distribution, advertising, and promotion of the shisha.
The CS warned that businesses found to be selling the drug will be closed down.
"The importation, manufacture, sale, use, advertisement, promotion or distribution of shisha is outlawed in the country, any establishment found in breach of this provision will be shut down with immediate effect," Kindiki said.
The announcement was followed by nationwide crackdowns on establishments selling shisha.
Based on intelligence, Nacada's Compliance and Enforcement officials stormed a restaurant in Kilimani, Nairobi, where they arrested four people who were reportedly involved in the distribution and sale of shisha goods.