JOIN TOGETHER
iPhone App for 12 – Steppers Developed
November 9, 2009
News Summary
A new application program for the Apple I Phone connects people in recovery with a support network of peers in the 12- step community,
www.About.com reported October 27.
“The anne-e app provides a vehicle for a safe and anonymous way to stay connected with other recovering addicts, no matter where you are,” according to the application’s inventor. “ Whether you’ve missed your plane, at a conference, walking down the aisle of a big box store, or in your own backyard, there is someone not far from you who will understand and anonymously support you to do the next right thing.”
The application allows users to register their affiliation with a 12-step program and create an anonymous user name. Users who want to be available to help others can list themselves as “on call”, and will be notified when other users need help. Communication starts with text messages but can be moved to a voice conference.
Users also can exchange contact information with others they trust so they can stay in contact. GPS technology lets users know if others on the ann-e network are nearby in case they need a face- to- face meeting. The application also can provide the location of local 12- step meetings.
The application costs $4.99 and is available from the IPhone App Store.
FAX
U n i v e r s i t y o f M a r y l a n d , C o l l e g e P a r k
A Weekly FAX from the Center for Substance Abuse Research
June 2, 2008
Vol. 17, Issue 22
Hookah Smoking: A Growing Public Health Issue
What is a waterpipe?
A waterpipe, also known as a hookah, is a long-necked device used to smoke tobacco. The tobacco is indirectly heated in a bowl, often using a quick-lighting charcoal, and the smoke is filtered though water. What are other names for a waterpipe?
Hookah, hubblebubble, nargile, argileh, shisha, boory, and goza(and various spellings of these terms) are all names for a waterpipe. What type of tobacco is smoked in a waterpipe?
The most common waterpipetobacco in the United States is maassel(also spelled mu'essel, mu'assel; sometimes referred to as shisha), a tobacco sweetened with honey or molasses that is available in a variety of flavors, including apple, banana, strawberry, chocolate, mint, coffee, rose, and vanilla. Tobacco-free herbal maasselis also available. One bowl of maasselwill typically last 30-45 minutes when smoked in a waterpipe. Where can you buy a waterpipeor maassel?
Waterpipesand maasselare widely available for purchase on the internet and in certain retail establishments, such as hookah lounges and Middle Eastern markets. The same age restrictions that apply to purchasing other tobacco products (18 or older in most states)also apply to purchasing waterpipesand maassel. Online prices for packaged maasselrange from $7 to $20 for 250g, which will fill approximately 20-30 bowls. Maasselis also sold in single-serve packages ("shots") for less than $1 each. Who uses waterpipes?
Waterpipeusers are primarily young adults between the ages of 18 and 25, particularly college students. Surveys estimate that between 15% and 20% of college freshmen have used waterpipesin the past month. Where are waterpipesused?
Waterpipesare generally used in a group setting, either in a private residence or a public hookah lounge (also called hookah bars or cafes). Hookah lounges are an increasingly popular alternative to bars and clubs, as they may be open later hours (e.g., until 4:00 a.m.) and are open to those who are under 21. Most hookah lounges require customers be of legal adult age, but some establishments that sell herbal maasselmay have a lower minimum age. Several online hookah bar directories are available (e.g., www.hookah-bars.com, www.hookahculture.com), and an informal review found that the cost for the use of a hookah and a bowl of maasselat hookah bars range from $5 to $20. What are the perceptions of the harm of waterpipeuse?
The majority of waterpipesmokers believe that waterpipesmoking is less harmful than cigarette smoking. For example, most beginning waterpipesmokers (90%) believe cigarette smoking is more addictive than waterpipesmoking. Another survey found that 83% of waterpipeusers believed a cigarette smoker who switched to waterpipeuse would experience a small to moderate reduction in health risks. These findings are of concern, since perceptions of low risk are often related to higher prevalence of use. What are the health effects?
The next issue of the CESAR FAXwill review current research on the health effects of waterpipeuse, including misconceptions that may contribute to the growing popularity of hookah smoking.
CESAR
