Khat
Khat
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Khat is a stimulant drug which means it speeds up the messages going between the brain and the body. The drug is the leaves and buds of the khat plant (Catha edulis Forsk). The leaves may be used fresh or dried.
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Common Names
Qat
Kat
Chat
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How is it used?
People use the leaves and buds of the khat plant and the leafy green shrub that can grow to tree size.
• Fresh leaves and buds are chewed
• Dried khat is chewed, taken as tea or smokedThe chewing of khat leaves is common in some countries of east Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It has a deep-rooted social and cultural tradition in some Muslim, Somali and Yemeni cultures. In some Muslim countries in which alcohol is prohibited, khat is commonly used in social situations, although it is often condemned on religious grounds.
Side Effects of Khat
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There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries some risk.
Khat affects everyone differently, based on:
• Size, weight and health
• Whether the person is used to taking it
• Whether other drugs are taken around the same time
• The amount taken
• The strength of the drug (varies from batch to batch) -
The following effects may be experienced immediately:
Fast heartbeat and breathing
High temperature and blood pressure
Talking more and feeling energetic
Reduced appetite
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Long-term effects:
Worsening of existing mental health problems
Sleep problems
Impotence
Digestive problems, such as constipation
Sore, inflamed mouth
Mouth cancer
Needing to use more to get the same effect
Dependence on khat
Financial, work and social problems
The effects of taking Khat with other drugs including over-the-counter or prescribed medications can be unpredictable and dangerous.
