Is Khat Drug Illegal?

Khat is a naturally occurring stimulant similar to coca leaves, coffee, and amphetamine. Cathinone, one of khat's psychotropic compounds, impacts the central nervous system like a moderate amphetamine.

The fresh leaves of a khat tree are rolled into little balls and put into the side of the cheek, forming a big bolus (soft mass of leaves). Although the activity is commonly referred to as khat chewing, the leaves are held on the side of the cheek to masticate over time. About 100 to 300 grams of khat could be chewed during each session; 100 grams of khat typically contains 36 mg of cathinone.

The debris is either ingested or spit out once the juice (and the hallucinogenic alkaloids it contains) has been swallowed. Due to its astringent flavor, khat users frequently consume sweet beverages or chewing gum.

The traditional khat high progresses through several phases. The first wave is excitement, euphoria, and talkativeness and is called “mirquaan” in Arabic. This euphoria begins within ten to fifteen minutes into the mastication process and puts the user in utmost excitement. It is followed by a calmer and more contemplative period.

Khat has been used as a recreational and religious narcotic by people of Eastern Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Middle East. Khat usage is widespread among immigrants from Yemen and the East African countries of Somalia and Ethiopia in the United States.

Khat leaves from the evergreen shrub Catha edulis are commonly chewed fresh. They can be smoked, made into tea, or sprinkled over food. Earlier its application was culturally specific and only men used them in particular gatherings. However, the use of khat leaves has grown among women.

Khat contains psychoactive compounds, which can damage the nervous, respiratory, circulatory, and digestive systems and produces various side effects, including:

• Excessive energy
• High alertness
• Euphoria
• Excitability
• Hyperactivity
• Easily distracted
• Hyper talkativeness
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Grandiose ideas
• Sensitivity to slight changes in the environmental conditions
• Raised heartbeat
• Raise in blood pressure
• Stimulated appetite
• Excessive thirst
• Dehydration
• Nausea
• Reduced sleep
• Insomnia
• Sweating
• Mouth ulcers
• Infertility
• Depression (prolonged use)

There is no recognized treatment regimen for khat abuse. No drugs are available to address the symptoms of khat misuse or probable withdrawal symptoms from the substance. The treatment approach is like the treatment used for other stimulant use disorders, such as cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamine, and others.

Individuals from khat-using populations often have a distinct perspective on drug usage. It is essential to consider their cultural preferences if they exist.

In cases when an individual has a markedly different cultural worldview, encouraging abstinence must be culturally appropriate. This would entail involving the individual's friends, family members, and even spiritual leaders in the overall therapy plan for the person. This might imply combining family and group therapy with psychoeducation to create a practical, culturally sensitive approach.

The most effective method to recover from any substance use problem entails abstaining from the specific drug of abuse and other potential substances of addiction.